Danish Estates: S. Bang Smooth Freehand (CC) (2) (pre-1984) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Sveng Bang started working as a tobacconist in 1941 and, in 1968, opened his namesake pipe and tobacco store, S. Bang. Although Bang carved some pipes himself, he realized he was not the most talented pipe maker, so he searched for others to work in his shop. After several years of staff turnover, Per Hansen and Ulf Noltensmeier became the permanent pipe makers at S. Bang. The workshop functioned as a place for the two men to work side-by-side, making their pipes by hand and bouncing ideas off of each other. After Bang's retirement in 1984, the two pipe makers decided to retain the S. Bang name, continuing on until the workshop dissolved in 2019. Therefore, the traditional Danish shapes of S. Bang are now only available on the estate market.

This S. Bang Freehand dates back to before 1984 and is unsmoked, making it an extraordinarily rare offering. Furthermore, this piece showcases some stunning asymmetry, most notably at the bowl. The bowl is oblong, with the vertices occurring at the rim's right flank and the heel's left flank. These two points are joined by a wrapping ridgeline its sweeping arc framing the left flank similarly to a panel, while the right flank flaunts voluptuous curvature. Out back, the cylindrical shank and willowy saddle stem form a subtle S-curve, its demure construction keeping compositional focus on the bowl. Additionally, the stummel is dressed in a striking auburn stain, which highlights a sweeping stretch of cross grain that encircles the right flank, framing a tightly-packed patch of birdseye on the center. Conversely, the left flank exclusively displays birdseye, furthering the juxtaposition between the uniquely shaped flanks.