Danish Estates: Former Smooth Acorn Tobacco Pipe

Over the course of his 60 years of pipe making experience, Hans "Former" Nielsen has amassed a considerable reputation as one of Denmark's premier artisans. At just 15 years old, Nielsen began his career by repairing and refurbishing pipes in Poul Rasmussen's workshop, before eventually taking a job at the prestigious W.Ø. Larsen workshop. While at Larsen, Former honed his skills and eventually earned a supervisory position, overseeing the work of legendary carvers like Jess Chonowitsch and Teddy Knudsen. He eventually struck out on his own, and has been producing pipes under his own name ever since. This Acorn showcases his impeccable shaping skills and ability to merge soft lines with supple curves.

A study in elegance, this Acorn from Hans "Former" Nielsen is a Danish classic through and through. The subtle forward cant of the bowl, the slightly sweeping nature of the transition, and the gentle lift of the shank all work to create one continuous, uninterrupted line along the underside — lending dynamism to its silhouette without becoming too firm or harshly angled. The smooth style of heel and bulbous, inflated bowl further help to balance things out, leaving only a smoothly contoured form ripe with rich grain patterns, which are accentuated by a silky smooth finish and smoky stain.