BOWL: The part of the pipe that holds the tobacco.
HEEL: The base of the inside of the pipe bowl.
SHANK: The part of the pipe that joins the bowl and the stem.
STEM: The part that connects the shank with the bit. Examine it carefully. Its quality, finish and fit will reveal the maker's carelessness or attention to detail.
BIT: The part of the pipe stem that fits in the mouth. Also called the MOUTHPIECE.
BITE-PROOF STEM: A bit designed with a solid center portion at the mouth to prevent the "canine" tooth from punching a hole in it as readily as is done in a standard bit.
AMBEROID STEM: A fusion of Bakelite and pure amber - usually used with meerschaum pipes.
BAKELITE STEM: Trade name for a synthetic resin widely used for lacquers and varnishes and as a plastic. A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes. An alternative to vulcanite.
AMBER: brittle, feels like glass to the teeth - Usually used with meerschaum pipes.
VULCANITE: A dark-colored variety of India rubber that has been subjected to vulcanization : also called "hard rubber." A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes.
LUCITE: Trade name for a plastic. A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes.
HORN STEM: Animal horn - often found on inferior meerschaum pipes
BONE STEM: Animal bone - often found on inferior meerschaum pipes