Most Honored Brother: In partial reply to your question, I am given to understand that HIM Nicholas II had several CIGARETTE holders in the shape of a small pipe, that were of different materials. (This is documented in one instance by a full page picture showing the Emperor speaking with Count Freedericksz, Livadia, 1913, on page 157, illustration # 222, of Marvin Lyons' volume, "Nicholas II, The Last Tsar." Needless to say, it would hold the cigarette at an odd angle, upright with a slightly forward slant! (Not totally unusual, however, as I have among my collection a late 19th century Russian silver and cloisonne enamel cigarette holder in the shape of a small hunting or drinking horn. An insulating mouth piece, jade, etc., would have protected the lips from the heated silver in this case.) I am not certain that I have seen a photo of His Imp. Majesty with a "real" pipe, though I know of no reason why he could not have used one, other than personal preference. With regards, AP