Tavern pipes have long been steeped in misinformation. The truth is the tavern pipes were long as a commodity. Most average people would not have owned a more expensive, long tavern-style pipe, instead favoring the cheaper pipes for everyday use. The long stem allows for a cooler smoke, changing the flavor when it hits the mouth. Tavern pipes were communal items at such establishments. Contrary to popular belief, the stems were not broken between users nor when they were clogged. At this point there was very little concept of germs and how they spread. The clogging was avoided by placing the pipes in an iron rack called a kiln and then into the fire to burn out any build-up. George Washington ordered 144 of these pipes during one of his purchases from England along with many more standard pipes. These would have been used to impress guests.
