Pink and white blown glass pipe

[Chrystal McGlone]

I have a pink and white blown glass pipe which has been passed down in my family for many years. It is approximately 38cms from bowl to tip. It has no cracks or chips and no identifying marks. The inside of the pipe is milky white. It has been suggested that this is a glass blowers practice piece and that it is of some value. Does anyone have any idea of the origin, maker or indeed relative value of such a pipe please?

[tomsantiquesetcetera]

That looks like a marijuana pipe from the 1960s. If it is, they are considered drug related items and are illegal to own, or sell, and consequently have no value.

[Chrystal McGlone]

Thanks for that. It's interesting because the pipe was in my grandmother's display cabinet for as long as my mum could remember while growing up. Mum was born in 1926 and believed the pipe came from her own grandmother's estate along with some other interesting bits and pieces. We believe it is at least 90 years old. I'm not sure when the first marijuana pipes would have been made.

Mum saw a pipe exactly the same on the Antiques Roadshow in the UK many years ago and that's where we she got the idea that it was a glass blower's practice piece.

Anyway since I do not intend to sell the pipe I will take the risk of owning such a beautiful piece and pass it on eventually to my son and his police officer wife! Perhaps my great granny had a secret vice.

Regards,
Chrystal

[Aesthetics & Old Lace]

Things like marijuana, hashish and opium were very popular from the late 1800s through the 20s among the more progressive 'society' circles and artsy types. Maybe it was made back then; lots of different cases, containers etc (and I'm sure, pipes too) were made to accomodate the trend.

[Chrystal McGlone]

Thank you that all makes sense. It's interesting that you mention artsy types because there were artists and china painters as well as stage performers among my ancestors in the late 1800's and early 1900's. I appreciate you taking time to comment.

Regards,
Chrystal

[Aesthetics & Old Lace]

No problem :-)
You might want to check into the Aesthetics Movement (late Victorian - about turn of the century), which was a very creative and prolific period, style-wise, and there was a lifestyle to go along with it (some called it 'decadent'; I think of it as 'progressive' LOL). The Aesthetics period, the Arts & Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau all overlapped, at the same time that Impressionism was breaking out.Very exciting times, for sure.

[Chrystal McGlone]

OK thanks I will.

[Glenn Freeman]

Hi,
Just thought I would thow my 2 cents worth in. Early glass blowers would mahe things just for fun "Whimsies" . I think yours is a Victorian pcs. I really like it. If you ever want to sell it, let me know. Hope this helped.

Thanks
Glenn

[Chrystal McGlone]

Thanks for your comment Glenn, it seems consistent with the information Mum heard about an identical piece on the Antiques Roadshow. I really like it too and appreciate the encouragement that it is also interesting to others. I'd like to find out what it is worth but just for my own info really. At this stage I still enjoy owning it although I've never tried it out!!

Regards,
Chrystal

[Diane McQueen]

Hi Chrystal! What a fascinating family history! The pipe is really pretty, smooth, and well shaped too. If it's that old...from the Victorian era, there sure are collectors that would want it, but it's a piece of family history, which makes it even more special!
The few things I have from my parents, or in-laws, I cherish! :O)

[Chrystal McGlone]

Hi Dianne,

It is great to have some tangible bits and pieces from family history and like you I cherish them. I'm gathering info for my own benefit and also for my family. The pipe is exquisite and at some stage I'd like to be sure if it only has sentimental value or is indeed worth something. Either way it is a treasure to me.

Enjoy your treasures & thanks for your encouragement.
Chrystal

[Lynn S.]

It's absolutely beautiful. Great piece. Wish I had a little information for you. It's way too nice to be a 1960 - to date 'pot' pipe...lol

[Chrystal McGlone]

Yes Lynn it is a stunning piece dating at least from the turn of the 20th century and pot pipe or not I love it. I'm still hoping to find a value at some stage for my own info though. Thanks