Old German Clay: Bishop and Knight Tobacco Pipe

Product Number: 002-557-0017

Old German Clay pipes are hand-crafted by Markus Fohr in Montabaur, Germany, using the region's prized white clay. Maintaining his family's rich pipe-making tradition, Fohr utilizes antique hand-presses to mold pipes in the style of centuries past, with some of the presses dating back to the late 18th century. Until briar was popularized in the mid 19th century, clay pipes dominated the pipe-smoking milieu, and for many, they were the only smoking instruments available: Meerschaum pipes existed, but clay was more ubiquitous and economically accessible. Most public houses and taverns provided a communal supply of clay pipes, often in long, willowy Churchwarden form. Today, while briar pipes have become the norm for most pipe smokers, clay pipes are still available and offer a distinct aesthetic and what many consider a neutral flavor. In fact, pipe-tobacco blenders often utilize clay pipes when testing and experimenting with prospective mixtures. Clay is more delicate than other pipe-making materials, so special care is advised when storing and traveling with a clay pipe; however, they're incredibly heat-resistant and immune to burnout, making them perfect workhorse smokers. Even though the bowl will get hot, there's no risk of damaging the pipe — they're fired in a kiln during production, after all.

Offered here is a sleek Bishop and Knight design by Markus Fohr with detailed depictions across the bowl.

Note: While all of our other pipes are photographed individually, these are not, and you may expect some reasonable cosmetic variation between the example we've photographed and the pipe you've received.

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Measurements & Other Details

  • Length: 8.00 in./203.20 mm.
  • Weight: 0.64 oz./18.14 g.
  • Bowl Height: 1.43 in./36.32 mm.
  • Chamber Depth: 1.18 in./29.97 mm.
  • Chamber Diameter: 0.67 in./17.02 mm.
  • Outside Diameter: 0.92 in./23.37 mm.
  • Stem Material: Other
  • Filter: None
  • Shape: Freehand
  • Finish: Carved
  • Material: Clay
  • Country: Germany
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating:
4.8
5 reviews
Fantastic Clay
November 13, 2023
Product: Old German Clay Bishop and Knight
Dip your toes into the world of clay with this very low risk and low price entry piece. I suggest cutting a silicone straw to size and using to cover the end of the stem for much more comfortable smoking, otherwise it'll stick to your lips! lol . 5 stars
Check the Design Before Smoking
August 17, 2023
Product: Old German Clay Bishop and Knight
The one I received has an uneven bowl. I didn't realize until I was already smoking it that the knight's head was cut off. Lol! The construction is a bit shoddy compared to other clays I have purchased. However, it smokes just fine.
One of my favourite pipes...
February 02, 2023
Product: Old German Clay Bishop and Knight
It provides an excellent smoke, and is pleasing aesthetically. I was in my front yard with one of these, a friend of mine drove up and his first comment was about how cool my pipe looked! :-)
Do yourself a favour and get one of these
October 13, 2020
Product: Old German Clay Bishop and Knight
Absolutely amazing, these pipes can hold their own against Briars and Cobs easily, there's a reason why they were smoked for centuries, if for nothing else get it for reliving the smoking experience of our ancestors. Clay pipes are way too underrated. 10/10 will definitely get more in the future...Read More
马库斯·福尔主教和骑士
February 07, 2022
Product: Old German Clay Bishop and Knight
冲着图案买的,但做工实在不敢恭维
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