Hello to all!  Many thanks to those who replied to my question on
a suitable finish for wooden pipes.

Shellac looks to be the way to go and, as I have some flakes left over
from a previous restoration of a chest of drawers, it will not cost me
a great deal.  I'm going to seal the inside as well as the outside of
the pipes and I think three coats to start.  I'll let you all know how
it works out for me.

Best wishes to everybody

Miahael J. Taylor