Smooth Apple with Horn Tobacco Pipe

After looking at pipes all day it's easy to take for granted a whole lot of the briar that ends up on my desk; whether I'm evaluating estate pipes or looking at a tray of brand new pieces from a unknown pipe maker, I hate to admit that sometimes the work can all bleed together. Then I find myself staring at a tray of fresh pipes from the likes of master pipe maker Hans 'Former' Nielsen and everything changes. His work is exquisite to such a degree that one simply must stop to catch the breath and admire beauty. And that's the case here. This handsomely shaped, delicately balanced nose warmer of a straight Apple is as stunning in its quiet simplicity as it is elegantly refined. From the tremendously lovely mix of grain here highlighted in a high contrast finish, to the gorgeous horn accent, when talking about classic Danish shapes, this little Apple is about as good as it gets.

-- Ted Swearingen