Smoking?

I bought this little painting many years ago in the building Margaret Thatcher lived in as a girl. By the time I went in, it was a junk shop, owner by a man called Johnnie Cousins, as far as I can recall.

I bought an ironing board for 50p and was about to leave when I saw two oil paintings. One a portrait of a woman, a Victorian I think, which I have lost touch with, and this funny little painting.

The man appears to be smoking a cigarette. Or is it some sort of Hooker Pipe? There seems to be a tube into his mouth.
I have no idea what he is holding. Does anyone else recognise it? A figure is asleep in the background, as this character is puffing away, or is breathing hot air into a very cold room. I have no idea when, or where it was painted. I doubt it is an undiscovered master though.