Clay tobacco pipes

Moulds taken off original pipe fragments of Victorian pipes are used; therefore, I make accurate reproductions of clay tobacco smoking pipes.  I twice fire my pipes, glazing the mouth piece with ceramic glaze, giving a more hygienic pipe. Because of this Tinderbox pipes are recognised as a quality product.

Tobacco smoking pipes were made originally in metal molds or moulds – both spellings are acceptable, on a ‘gin’ press. The word ‘gin’ is an old English word for engine, a device. I made my gin press; therefore, you can purchase gin pressed pipes from this site!
Example are: my hand-made Pakuranga Toasties, marbled pipes and earthenware white pipes. Not all my pipes are  made this way , but I use a reproduction metal mold taken off an originally metal mold for some of my pipes.

Plaster mold making service

I make for the ceramics artist, potters and industry, based in Auckland, New Zealand, selling bespoke plaster moulds. I do not stock plaster molds but make to order off customer supplied models. My preference is for new mold making: crisp new models which make crisp moulds.

However, I am able to redeem molds by making new from damaged molds, with no model supplied. Whereby, you supply an existing damaged mold, I make new. This service is a ‘process of last resort’ for clients who don’t have models but have a mold, sometimes damaged. However, I make or repair some models too! But I do not make clay pipe molds for sale.

Victorian toy presentation

My outreach programme I take a Victorian toy programme into schools with a hands-on presentation for students.  I invite teachers contact me and arrange a visit

About Richard Lees.

Founded in 2003, Tinderbox is in Auckland, New Zealand, the site of Richard Lees, Craftsman. I make bessoms (traditional brooms), wooden spoons, pottery, leather items and turn wood on a pole lathe (foot driven lathe), as well as other craft items.