Pipe Tamper, circa 1680-1720, recovered at Charleston, SC during excavating

This is another one of those items you seldom come across. It is made of brass and measures 2 ½” x ½”. It shows a child clutching his mother’s leg – the mother’s head has broken off. It was found at Charleston, South Carolina in 1984 during a renovation.

A 17th-century pipe tamper (also called a "stopper") was a small, hand-held tool used by smokers to compress loose tobacco into the bowl of a pipe. Because tobacco was expensive in the 1600s, this tool helped ensure it burned slowly and evenly. There is a similar example of one of these tampers that was recovered during archeology at the Jamestowne Settlement in Virginia (see pictures).

It is an interesting relic and the first one I ever came across. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.

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Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, pipes, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation in a collection.   Bob