Ever since its rise in the mid-1800s, the corn cob pipe has remained very popular with pipe smokers across the world. But more than that, the corn cob pipe has captured the imagination.
From Mark Twain to Popeye, the corn cob pipe has become a popular icon as much as it is a smoking instrument. But where did it all start? How did this humble pipe become so popular? And is it really a corn cob?
Today we’ll answer all of those questions and much more as we share everything you need to know about the corn cob pipe and its most iconic and prolific manufacturer, Missouri Meerschaum. Read on and dive into the past, present and future of the corn cob pipe.
The history of Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipes
As the story goes, in 1869 Henry Tibbe, a woodworker and Dutch immigrant in Washington, Missouri, was asked by a local farmer if he could turn a corn cob into a pipe – a crude hand-carved version of the corn cob pipe was already used by many farmers throughout America.
Henry took up the challenge and was amazed by how well the pipes smoked. Word soon spread and, quickly, Henry stopped working with wood and began making corn cob pipes full time.
By 1878, Tibbe and a close friend perfected a plaster-based coating for the pipes, which was granted a patent in the same year. This coating allowed the pipes to be sanded smooth, resulting in a harder-wearing pipe. Much like the corn cob itself, this plaster sealant is also porous and does not take away from the pipe’s absorbency.
Because of the material’s similarity to the porous clay or meerschaum used to craft pipes across the world, Tibbe coined the name ‘Missouri Meerschaum’ and it stuck. In 1907, Tibbe renamed his company Missouri Meerschaum and it’s now the oldest and largest corn cob manufacturer in the world.
Your corn cob pipe FAQs
How are corn cob pipes made?
While a corn cob pipe may seem rudimentary, its construction is far from simple – and it took years of fine-tuning by Tibbe and later refinement by the Missouri Meerschaum Company to perfect it.
Corn cobs for pipes are grown from specially cultivated maize – and not all maize will do. After decades of selective breeding and experimentation, the perfect variety of corn is now produced exclusively for Missouri Meerschaum.
Once the corn has grown, it’s cut and dried for more than two years. Then it’s graded depending on its qualities – it will either remain a natural colour or be given a stain.
After the pipes have been shaped and drilled, the base is filled with either a special pipe-makers’ cement or a hardwood plug. A wooden shank is then drilled and glued into the pipe, and a basic plastic mouthpiece is added.
Why use a corn cob pipe?
Much like clay and meerschaum – a clay-like mineral used to make pipes – the porous properties of the corn cob make for a dry, cool smoke. The plaster sealant is also porous and does not take away from the pipe’s absorbency.
A corn cob’s overall build and neutral flavour make it ideal for sampling the full taste of your pipe tobacco.
Are Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipes any good?
Yes, corn cob pipes make for great smoking and are still enjoyed by smokers all over the world. Their neutral flavouring, coupled with their affordable price tag and iconic look make them ideal for any novice or veteran pipe smoker.
Does a corn cob pipe last?
These pipes suffer from cheap, semi-disposable and almost novelty preconceptions. This is unfounded – if cared for like a clay, meerschaum or any other build, they will last for years and provide a neutral taste with every smoke.
How much are corn cob pipes?
At around £4-8, the natural and legend cobs are ideal for sampling new tobaccos, without ruining your favourite briar with the ghosted flavours of ten different tobaccos. We use them to give all our tobaccos a full smoke during development.
Corn cob pipe shapes
Our extensive Missouri Meerschaum range can be broken down into the following categories:
Natural corn cob pipes
The natural cobs are not coated like the smooth models. Their rough texture gives a truly rustic character, and the red tinges give the pipe an old-world charm. These pipes are not sealed or varnished and are more brittle, so they should be handled with care. Each pipe is fitted with a pipe-makers’ cement plug at the base and offers one of the driest smoking experiences on the market.
Legend corn cob family
These are the most common corn cob pipes around; they are sealed with plaster and varnished in drums. The varnish gives the pipes their distinct yellow hue, and they are usually fitted with an amber-coloured PVC mouthpiece.
Polished corn cob pipes
These corn cob pipes are sealed and either turned on lathes or cut by various machines to produce a wide range of shapes. Whereas the Legend cobs are varnished, these are hand-sprayed with lacquer and often finished with a black stem. Most of the polished cobs are completed with a hardwood plug, resulting in a long-lasting pipe. The Patriot and Country Gentleman pipes are given a two-tone finish with black stain.
Speciality corn cob pipe shapes
Most of the Missouri Meerschaum range is made for everyday use – small, rugged and ideal to carry around all day. One of the company’s most famous customers was American General MacArthur. The MacArthur cob was made to his specific instructions, with a very large bowl and long churchwarden stem. These pipes are still produced to this day in honour of the strategic military leader.
To accompany the MacArthur, a large Danish-style freehand is hand-turned with a rough, faux plateaux rim. These freehand pipes are fitted with a vulcanite stem rather than the standard PVC. With the exception of the MacArthur, the freehand has the largest chamber size in the range.
Continuing the corn cob pipe legacy
As Missouri Meerschaum continue to produce these beautifully crafted pipes, smokers all over the world continue to enjoy them. At GQ Tobaccos, we stock and ship corn cob pipes to customers across the globe – from Europe to the USA and beyond.
If you have any questions about the corn cob pipes we stock or any of our tobacco products – simply get in touch and let us assist you.