The fact that Sherlock Holmes smoked a Calabash Pipe is actually a myth.  In the original book by scottish author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes never did smoke a Calabash Pipe.  It is understood that the character of Sherlock Holmes was a sort of mirror of Doyle and Doyle was known to give a puff or two every now and again.  Doyle's favorite pipe might have been a briar smoking pipe which is much smaller in stature than the Calabash.  When Sherlock Holmes hit the theatrical stage the director's decided to use a Calabash Pipe because it was easier for the audience to see if from their seats.  What started as a simple prop cascaded into a permanent icon in the eyes and minds of millions world wide.  Still when you hold your lips to a Calabash Pipe and give it a light puff you can't help but say "elementary my dear Watson ... elementary."