Danish Estates: Tom Eltang Smooth Horn (Snail) (2007) Tobacco Pipe

The Horn design from Tom Eltang is a rarity within the legendary Danish artisan's expansive portfolio. Even more to the point, Tom has decreed that this delightful shape is worthy of his highest grade, the Snail.

Decades of experience informs this Horn, as does firmly constructed angles. The forward-surging, towering bowl is defined by a crisp ridgeline delineating the rim with two sharp points. Vertical lines erupt from said rim, descending down all sides, creating framed panels along the way. The transition is elongated, which is typical of the form, followed abruptly by a tight, flicking, upward curl of the shank, the shaping reminiscent of a Fish design but far more dramatized. The stylish vulcanite stem, then, appears to puncture the shank, all cumulating in stellar shaping. The stummel is dressed in one of Tom's smooth mahogany contrast stains, highlighting beautiful grain, as to be expected. Cross grain dominates either flank, while whorls of birdseye saturate the fore and aft.