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Date: | Mon, 24 Oct 2005 13:40:06 -0400 |
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I am surprised Smoke Pfiefer has not explained in detail about the TD pipes.
So, at the risk of his wrath, let me state that it is a common design motif
on pipes that were produced by several American factories through most of the
19th century. Theories about the TD abound, but one common "explanation" is
that it originally stood for "Tommy Duncan"--- who he was remains a mystery to
me. I would guess that many pipe designers simply picked up the initials
along with the stars, shields, and other devices. Out here in the Far Southwest,
boxes of dozens or hundreds of clay pipes were shipped to market with little
explanation of the designs. I do not believe the man who bought a clay pipe
from a store or ship chandler actually paid much attention to the designs.
Still, we like to have our little mysteries in archaeology and why not kick TD
around for a few days?
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
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