A pipe was typically used to smoke the tobacco – usually made of clay, which would be delicate and easily broken. Once damaged, the pipe would be simply thrown away by the smoker. It would be 1881 before a cigarette making machine would be invented and the use of tobacco pipes started to decline.

Why were clay pipes only used once?

The beginning of the 20th Century was still a prosperous period; however, by the 1930s clay pipes were in low demand once again due to changes in society, competition from the cigarette and World Wars.

How long can clay pipes last?

between 50-60 years Clay pipes typically last between 50-60 years, while PVC pipes are expected to last 100 years before requiring replacement.