Centuries ago America provided us with the tobacco, over the last decades the same continent brought us the anti-smoking movement. The Pijpenkabinet Museum exists because of the first fact, the second observation is a problem for the time being. But instead of pointing out the negative, I would like to mention another actual topic. The US had their elections for the presidency recently, reason to show some remarkable presidential pipes, which we will do in the section acquisitions. Further on, this Newsletter brings some news from behind the museum desk on the IT-project that dictates the workload now. And to conclude some faits divers from the world of pipe smokers and -collectors. Altogether, I hope we provide you with various and interesting news.

Behind the scenes
The Pijpenkabinet Foundation is fully involved now in the project that is best described as from analogue to digital. In our previous Newsletter we introduced this mega project that will lead the work behind the screens for the years to come. In the mean time work progresses and after several months the first results are emerging. At the same time the conclusion can only be: still a long way to go! While our technical man is designing the most complicated CMS, our curator is arranging the documentation in preparation of scanning. In sessions of three or four per week a major part of our printed information is already digitized. The number of scans nearly reaches 50.000! A giant mass digital information, waiting for further processing and gradual opening onto the web.

The mentioned CMS or Content Management System will provide the links between all the information stored into the museum. The first entrance will be by the main collection-database including images and descriptions of all pipes. A large number of fields will be linked to other databases with relevant information on marks, makers, archival records, on factories with their catalogues, price lists, advertisements. In this way a vast network of data, images and scanned documents will be within reach of every visitor on the web.

If these interrelated databases function well a new and attractive interface for public entrance will be developed. This should provide the possibility to ask questions and to find the answers that emerge – seemingly without any pain – from our collections. Next to thorough knowledge to be found, the website will show the stunning objects from our collections in splashing, digital photography on which we are currently working.

The digitations project of the Pijpenkabinet will be presented at the Digital-Heritage-Conference next December. We can not yet show the final results, but keepers of collections, archives and libraries will get an impression of our multidiscipline digitizing, an aspect not yet widely applied in the heritage world. This is what the Pijpenkabinet got its grant for last year.

Acquisitions
Clay tobacco pipes from presidential possession
A few months ago we were able to acquire a small collection of clay tobacco pipes of which several had a political meaning. This is not unique since many decorated pipes from the eighteenth century onwards are showing a social or political theme. By cheer chance and thanks to our digitations project we could retrieve the origin of these pipes. An article, stored for many years in the documentation boxes was ready to be scanned and attracted the attention of the curator for its exceptional illustrations. The American Metropolitan Magazine issued nearly a century ago covered an article on the pipe collection of president Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) – not to be mistaken for his successor of the same family name during WWII. Out of the 24 pipes illustrated in this very article, 16 were offered for sale, the most breakable ones missing which is not too surprising after a century. The special provenance is proved by some minor chips on the photos that occur on the pipes in the same way. Three of the most special ones are described here.

Three politicians on one pipe
This stemmed clay pipe shows three portraits on the front: Kaiser Wilhelm I, Napoleon III and Bismarck. The base is formed by a portrait of Marianne with Phigian hat, the traditional representation of France. The portraits are joined by a text that reads "LES TROIS MAUDITS" – the three scoundrels and at the back "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". Some details are accentuated by spots of enamel in pink and blue. The stem reads the maker: "L.FIOLET ST. OMER DEPOSE".

At the moment of production, shortly after 1872, this pipe was topical. The three political figures were the main characters in the French-German War of 1870. Bismarck was known at the time as the maliciously intriguing politician of Europe who drafted a so-called secret treaty with France. Not long after Prussia and especially Emperor Wilhelm I didn’t stand this appointments with the War of 1870 as a result. This ended in a flagrant defeat of France. The glorious march of the Germans into Paris was generally felt as a national humiliation and France lost Alsace-Lorraine. On top of that the French had to pay war damages to Germany for many years. No French citizen was sorry for Napoleon III when he was interred by the Prussians. Quite understandable the German president, nor the Kaiser, nor their own Emperor were very popular in France afterwards. With this pipe, depicting all the bad guys of that time, they mocked about them.

When Theodore Roosevelt acquired this pipe around 1900 the European policy was far away for the US. Even more the War of 1870 was over for decades, but laid in fact the foundation of the troubles leading to WWI. It might not be the political engagement of this pipe that attracted Roosevelt´s attention. Maybe his interest in clay pipes in general made him to buy this one. He had many other French clay pipes, that were the best on marked at the time, with general representations in his modest collection.

Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 19.272

A campaigning gadget
Compared with the first pipe of the famous Fiolet firm, this simple clay pipe is a modest mass product. The sculptural aspect is brought to the minimum, but for the good observer the design is much better than at first glance. The designer has made a standard pipe shape into a lifelike portrait with only minor adaptations – this is really a merit to mention.

The portrayed is Stephen Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) twice elected president of the United States. He was in from 1885 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897which made him the only president who served two terms not directly in succession. His fans praised Cleveland for his honesty, independency, integrity and his classical liberalism. For Roosevelt this pipe mentioned more, being a sign for his recent predecessor, all be it with another political background. Had Roosevelt hoped to be immortalized once in such a pipe? Maybe, but certainly not in such a simple manner.

The pipe is made out of white baking clay and covered with a yellowish varnish. With this finish the product could resemble a luxurious meerschaum pipe. Such yellow varnished pipes were fashionable in Europe during the 1870’s and tended to vanish from the market afterwards. Apparently the fashion in America was somewhat later, let’s say 1885-18895. This pipe as a promotional gadget was meant for his voters during the campaign, or maybe popular among his people during his reign. Maker is Charles Kurth from Brooklyn, New York, so an American product in contrast to most presidentials that were produced in Europe.

Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 19.289

Royal French figural
The last special pipe to mention is a stub stemmed pipe with a beautiful and strong design that would fit very well into a series of the best French pipes. It is a rather large pipe bowl in fresh white clay, that stands on a circular base. It represents a man’s portrait inspired on the famous sculpture of Napoleon, including his two pointed hat and high decorated collar. A small rectangular shield identifies the man as: "MKINLEY".

Represented is William McKinley (1843-1901), 25th president of the US, serving from 1897 to 1901. He was Republican and foremost known for his foreign policy. In 1900 he was chosen for his second term, but less than a year later he was murdered visiting the Pan-American Exhibition in Buffalo. He died September 1901 after being hospitalized for a week.

For Theodore Roosevelt this pipe will have had a special meaning. McKinley was his direct predecessor; Roosevelt was succeeding him within hours after his death. It is not certain whether his image in heroic style is made during the life of McKinley or only after his dramatic death. The latter seems to be more likely, putting McKinley in the row of illustrious statesmen. This pipe is, as the precedent, an American product, according to an unaffirmed source even from the same factory, although the style doesn’t match.

Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 19.291

Pipe smoking courses and a new Pipe Smoking Club?
The pipe smoking evenings or courses pipe smoking are developed into a standard monthly activity of the Pijpenkabinet. Each evening half a dozen participants are introduced into the secrets and pleasures of pipe smoking. For novices and experienced pipe smokers alike these gatherings are both instructive and pleasurable. A returning request is applying for a smoking club. Meeting other pipe smokers, having a chat or even a thorough discussion in a suitable ambiance seems heaven for many of us. The Amsterdam Pipe Smoking Club is the living demonstration of this fact, but the number of members is restricted.

In the coming months we will investigate the demands and number of interested aspirants for such a club, society or whatever you name it. It could end up as a group of youngsters with its own dynamics, or more mature men, or women, all to your suggestions.

Smokiana pipeshop is happy to function as a gathering point for amateurs. Come along in the shop on Prinsengracht 488 or send an e-mail. Don Duco will receive all your comments and reacts accordingly. mailto:duco@pijpenkabinet.nl.

Publications on the web
Since the last edition of our Newsletter our website is completed with a number of old articles written by Don Duco and now re-published in its entire. The originals are in Dutch, so are the present links, but a short summary and the pictures are shown on the English pages.

- Vijftig jaar misleiding ontmaskerd (Fifty years of misleading unmasked) tells how it came that the copy of an American Indian pipe was permanently exhibited in two Dutch museums over the period of half a century.

- De ware Abraham, over een gekaste figuurpijp en zijn opvolger in baronite (The true Abraham, a press moulded figural pipe and its later version with a hollow bowl system) explains how a press mould of a stub stemmed pipe from Belgium was acquired by Goedewaagen in Gouda in the year 1880 and became a part of the assortment up to 1960. It is remarkable to experience that the shape is remodeled and updated several times while also the techniques of manufacturing were altered. This resulted in a complete change of the look of the pipe.

- De pijpenstort van Jan Blij, een verkeken kans (The waste dump of Jan Blij, a unique find fully disturbed) is dedicated to an immense dump from the pipe maker Jan Jansz. Blij in Gorinchem, the Netherlands that, though fully disturbed, still brought up interesting information about his workshop and products.

- Rookgerei vol van symboliek, tabakspijpen uit de Graslanden van Kameroen (Smoking pipes full of symbolism, the tobacco pipe from the Grasslands of Cameroon) presents an overview in the techniques, shapes and decorations of the pipes from the Grasslands in Cameroon. Next to the special characteristics also the ceremonial value is explained including the dating of these pipes.

Also some new articles were written by Don Duco in the past months.
- Scheepswrak Dordtse Kil bij Dordrecht (Shipwreck in the Dordtse Kil near Dordrecht, the Netherlands) is a report on the pipes from a ship that wrecked shortly after 1850 near Dordrecht.

- De maïskolfpijp, Missouri meerschaum of barnyard briar (The corncob pipe, Missouri meerschaum or barnyard briar) is a simple but complete story of the American pipe made out of cob. In pipe literature this item is often neglected, we hope that this article will change this opinion.

Two more recent articles will be placed on the web within some weeks. The above listed articles can be found in paragraph 19 on our website, section Museum. The title in the list is the link leading to the article. The find report on the shipwreck is published under section archaeology paragraph 15. Explore, look and read with pleasure!

Obituary
Mid October it was announced that the well-known and beloved pipe collector Trevor J. Barton had passed away at the age of 88. Trevor Barton collected pipes from all corners of the world for a life time. Due to his job he travelled the world, especially in Asia, and had the opportunity to search for special smoking equipment wherever he went. In later years, based near London, he frequented the London antique markets and found the most special items. Even in the Netherlands he was a regular guest becoming good friends with Georg Brongers, the curator of the Niemeyer Museum, and later as a visitor of the Pijpenkabinet when still in Leiden.

It was always a great pleasure to visit Trevor and his Dutch born wife Dina in their cosy ‘Jasmine Cottage’ not far from London. Trevor showed the pipes from his collection with passion, having all types at hand. Every single item had its story which Trevor enjoyed explaining, mentioning all known pipe collectors, present and historic, from Hooper and Astley back to his great example William Bragge, the nineteenth century steel manufacturer from Sheffield who was as much a collector as Barton himself. Barton owned the original drawings of the Bragge catalogue, which he reprinted in 1991 in facsimile.

The pipe world had now lost a passionate collector, who had a worldwide network and a charm to share his love for the pipe with everybody interested, whatever language, origin or education. With his high age, Trevor Barton was up to now the connecting link with the history of pipe collecting. We will miss him!

New literature
Ben Droste & Jan Jansen: “Diepenveensche Tabak Centrale, Een plantage onder de rook van Deventer 1942-1959”. Historische Reeks Diepenveen, April 2008, 128 pages, photos.
All in Dutch but a remarkable history of a small firm functioning 1943-1946 processing home-grown tobacco from inhabitants all over the country during the German occupation. Growing techniques were largely forgotten after large amounts of tobacco came from the Dutch East Indies since the 1860’s. So, both information on how to plant and harvest your tobacco and – more importantly – helping with a proper fermentation process was in great demand these days. A stunning amount of historical material, photos, original packages, and even a soundless colour film from this war time were found and published in this most charming booklet.

In the Dutch town of Gouda the present pottery workshops were founded by 1900 on the roots of the pipe makers workshops. The history of the Gouda Plateel has now been researched and published in a three volumed book by Ron Tasman, titled The Gouda Pottery Book, Plateel makers in Holland. For a book review click on the title.

Vacancy
The Pijpenkabinet Foundation is directed by a board of three enthusiast persons. In good communication with Don Duco as the curator, they set out the policy of the museum. With the large digitizing project new questions occur for which a new member of the board is advisable. We are looking for somebody with legal background, or otherwise in marketing and public approach, of course apart from interest in and affinity with museums, archaeology and applied arts. Fluent knowledge of the Dutch language is a prerequisite.

Candidates may be proposed to the president of the Foundation, Frans Brouwer.
mailto:frans.br@hetnet.nl

Christmas offer
For those who would like to smoke a special Dutch product we now have an attractive offer: a special pipe by Zenith, the firm P.J. van der Want Azn. from Gouda, the world's oldest pipe makers. This ultimate dry smoker functions with a so-called hollow bowl system that permits the smoke to cool down. Also the highly absorbing ceramic takes away the moist from the smoke, resulting in a pleasant cool and dry smoke. The material itself being the filter, the pipe colours in course of time to yellowish and later even dark brown. The designs were made in the 1970's and 1980's, but they still are popular as vintage products. Especially the shape called ‘Amsterdam’ is popular because of it is comfortable to hold. For those who never experienced ceramic a completely new experience!

Price normally € 55,- now as special offer in the museum only € 35,-. Should you like to have the pipe sent home, charges for postage and bank costs have to be added.

Offer is valid till January 15 2009.
To order send an e-mail to mailto:info@pijpenkabinet

E-mail problems
Earlier this year our provider mashed a large number of e-mails. We are still not sure that this magnificent medium for communication delivers all information requests and other messages perfectly in our mailbox. We have the policy to answer all e-mails, in busy times with a delay sometimes of a week maximum. If you are not answered by us within a week, a technical problem may be at stake. Please send in your mail later again.

End of this tenth Newsletter
Thank you for your interest and till the next issue !
We are happy to respond to any reactions or questions. Just click on mailto:info@pijpenkabinet .
Or continue on our web site http://www.pijpenkabinet.nl/

Benedict Goes
PR and Publicity Pijpenkabinet

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