From early social and ceremonial use by Indigenous peoples to the handcrafted briar pipes of today, pipe smoking has continuously evolved – being reinterpreted by every community and generation that picks up the pipe.
In this resource, we’ll briefly trace the origins of pipe smoking and key developments over time, before getting to know some of the most famous pipe brands like Dunhill, Peterson and Savinelli. Read on and dive into the wonderful world of pipes.
History of tobacco pipes
Tobacco pipes have been smoked for centuries – long before Europeans came into contact with Native Americans. In fact, tobacco has been consumed and cultivated in these areas for thousands of years. In those Indigenous communities, pipes came in all shapes, sizes and materials, and were smoked for both social and ceremonial purposes.
It wasn’t until the arrival of Europeans in the 15th and 16th centuries that tobacco was introduced to Europe, and recreational pipe smoking spread across the continent and the world. Clay pipes became one of the most popular ways of consuming tobacco – but very quickly, each country and region crafted its own style of tobacco pipe, with varying materials, shapes and other unique features.
The early 20th century saw a golden age of pipe smoking, where both manufacturing and use boomed. Mass production made pipes more accessible, while premium brands like Dunhill and Peterson elevated them to symbols of quality and style. It was at this time that the pipe became part of culture.
Today, tobacco pipes are just as eclectic as ever, with many different shapes and sizes – whether it’s classic English shapes or free-formed Danish styles. Here at GQ Tobaccos, we focus on the more traditional English shapes, which are commonly smoked worldwide.
For more information on tobacco pipes, view our pipe shapes chart or read on to find out more about some of the most famous brands and pipes.
Key tobacco pipe manufacturers
Missouri Meerschaum Pipes
Missouri Meerschaum are now the oldest and largest corn cob manufacture in the world, with their brand of pipes guaranteed to last many years and give a neutral taste to every smoke; making them ideal for sampling new tobaccos.
Peterson Pipes
Peterson Pipes have been around for over 120 years and have become one of the most recognisable brands when it comes to tobacco pipe smoking. The key to their success is their variety of shapes, styles and prices; that start at a modest £35 and range into the hundreds. Peterson have something suit every customer’s pocket and taste.
Savinelli
Savinelli Tobacco Pipes began in 1876, by Achille Savinelli Sr who, in the heart of Milan, opened his own tobacco shop. Savinelli has become synonymous with quality and innovation, prioritising tradition and materials in an age of mass production. Savinelli has stayed a family business from its founding, and continues to make its iconic pipes to this day with models to suit all pipe smokers.
Dunhill
For more than 100 years Dunhill pipes have been renowned amongst pipe smokers, with Dunhill smoking products becoming the mark of quality in the pipe smoker’s world. Dunhill is still producing some of the highest quality smoking instruments and accessories available on the market – with iconic pipe shapes to suit everyone.
More tobacco pipe resources
If you’re interested in learning more about tobacco pipes, dive into some of our resources below.
Got any questions? Get in touch
At GQ Tobaccos, we love connecting pipe smokers with their dream pipes. If you have any questions about our range of pipes, pipe tobaccos or any other tobacco products, please contact us today – we’re always here to help.