Danish Estates: Tom Eltang Smooth Shield with Horn (Snail) (2005) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

A lengthy, deep-chambered offering from Tom Eltang, this Shield hints at the Pickaxe shape in profile. Viewed from the fore, it certainly does exhibit the Shield's ridgeline-wrapped, structured design, with the entire composition displaying the Danish carver's expert craftsmanship. Geometric structure meets supple curves in this design, softly framed panels comprising most of the bowl, while the gentle, supple lines are evident in the gently flaring shank. Eltang has primed this briar to best show off its grain, and it's further elevated by an accent of genuine horn. The shape's fore and base are awash in beautiful whorls of birdseye, while the bowl's side panels show off lovely cross grain. This piece has been assigned his highest grade (Snail) in light of the shaping, grain, and craftsmanship. It's wearing one of his older contrast stains, making it even more valuable and this 2005 piece remains unsmoked.