Pipe tamper ?

[robfinds]

Had this a while back, think it's a pipe tamper/cleaner. Do any pipe smokers out there know ?.

Hh Robert.

 

[IronSpike]

Is the end of the piece wider or same width? Guess it could be used as a pipe tamper, however the top handle would make it unlikely as it wouldn't fit comfortable in a pocket.

Can you post a pic of the entire piece?

 

[robfinds]

Is the end of the piece wider or same width? Guess it could be used as a pipe tamper, however the top handle would make it unlikely as it wouldn't fit comfortable in a pocket.

Can you post a pic of the entire piece?

The end piece is tubular but tapering down towards the end.

 

[IronSpike]

Tubular round or square? Could it be a tool for hole punching or winding key?

 

[robfinds]

Tubular round or square? Could it be a tool for hole punching or winding key?

Give me a min i will send a pic.

 

[shaun7]

looks like one with the strike across the top!

 

[robfinds]

Sorry it's a bit blurred.

 

[IronSpike]

Sorry when you said tubular I thought it was hollow Guess it could be a pipe tamper.

looks like one with the strike across the top!

Shaun7,

What function does the strike across the top serve?

 

[ivan salis]

you put in the pipe bowl to scrape the bowl sides with --after smoking a pipe for a bit --the pipe ash tends to thicken around the bowl walls -- its called a "heel" -- while you don't want to remove all of it ( that would make the pipe smoke "hot") it does need to be controlled --thru being scraped down now and then. --the bar part is to tamp or push down / seat tabbaco into the pipe --- the tools are called pipe tampers or "nails" since nails were often used for the purpose.

 

[IronSpike]

But how do you scrabe the button of the pibe? It will only reach abt. 1/2".

 

[ivan salis]

with the end of the "nail" you pick it out -- smoked a pipe for close to 30 years before I quit smoking --the stuff in the bottom tends to be softer -- (spit keeps it wet and fairly easy to remove )--the stuff on the side is mainly gummy baked on tars and is harder to remove.

 

[robfinds]

you put in the pipe bowl to scrape the bowl sides with --after smoking a pipe for a bit --the pipe ash tends to thicken around the bowl walls -- its called a "heel" -- while you don't want to remove all of it ( that would make the pipe smoke "hot") it does need to be controlled --thru being scraped down now and then. --the bar part is to tamp or push down / seat tabbaco into the pipe --- the tools are called pipe tampers or "nails" since nails were often used for the purpose.

Thanks Ivan, I guessed a pipe smoker would know.

 

[ivan salis]

make that a "forner" pipe smoker - -- copd was a bonus I got from smoking --filthy health wrecking money wasting evil habit can't believe I was fool enough to do it for close to 30 years .

 

[shaun7]

Sorry when you said tubular I thought it was hollow Guess it could be a pipe tamper.

looks like one with the strike across the top!

Shaun7,

What function does the strike across the top serve?

to strike a match!

see mine

 

[ivan salis]

rough spot for a strike anywhere match -- good ideal too.

 

[CRUSADER]

Its the end of a pastry jigger.

 

[IronSpike]

A match striker I was afraid it was a spark striker

Those pipe tampers are really neat relics

Now looking at Crusader's posted pic of the pastry jigger I would agree it looks like robfinds relic. Also the grip on handle would indicate more pressure that tobacco stuffing or sturdy grip. Still a neat find

 

[robfinds]

Its the end of a pastry jigger.

Want to bet ?.

 

[CRUSADER]

Its the end of a pastry jigger.

Want to bet ?.

I would bet on this no probs;

Found this description:
'one end fitted with a serrated brass wheel for trimming away the surplus dough; the other shaped to crimp the edge of the pastry.'

Why do you think it isn't one? They go back to the Medieval period & yours looks pretty early, at least Georgian.

 

[shaun7]

is a pipe tamper better than a pastrie jigger