The Escape Pipe

An Escape Pipe assembledIt is a common misconception that all pipe manufacturing ceased during World War II when most pipe factories were repurposed to support the war effort. It is true that many factories were repurposed. For example, Comoys made blades that went into engines for the propulsion of aero engines. Civic made canvas items that included webbing for parachutes. But some pipe factories, for example Oppenheimer, continued to make pipes.

In fact, pipe-making was a protected industry during both World Wars I and II because soldiers smoked. Although the war effectively eliminated most makers’ ability to source briar, the Briar Pipe Trade Association allocated available briar stocks to manufacturers during the wars so that pipes could continue to be made for British forces. Some of those wartime pipes were special, indeed.

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