What is this thing in my bit?

[ualtim]

On other pipe brands with similiar devices ... I find these are just a nusiance. Remove it and enjoy your pipe.

Thats what I planned on doing. The airflow was way too restricted with it in.

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen. Just another newbie feeling his way through the growing pains. On the bright side, I got some GL Pease Barbary Coast with my pipes which I am looking forward to lighting up one of these days.