Danish Estates: Tom Eltang Smooth Freehand with Bamboo (Snail) (2005) Tobacco Pipe

Tom Eltang's "Snail" grade is reserved for shapes that the Danish carver believes are of exceptional quality. This Freehand is one such creation, and it doesn't take more than a cursory glance to see why Eltang found it worthy of his highest honor. Essentially a Cavalier, though one rendered through Eltang's particular style, this Freehand features a tall, tubular bowl that flares from its narrow base to its broad, floral-like rim, which sweeps forward into a wave of briar. The base of the bowl is pierced at an angle by a shank comprised mostly of bamboo and topped by one of Eltang's hand-cut vulcanite mouthpieces. The base of the bamboo shank features a "foot" that can be removed to drain excess moisture from the airway. A smoky, chestnut-hued smooth finish dresses the stummel and highlights tight stacks of cross grain as they radiate up the flanks of the bowl. The bamboo's warm color offers a pleasing contrast to the finish's reserved hues, and the saddle stem's gentle downturn all but guarantees a comfortable smoking posture.