Danish Estates: Tom Eltang Smooth Lumberman (Aftermarket Cosmetic Band) Tobacco Pipe

Tom Eltang knew when he was a child that he wanted to be a pipe maker. At age 16, he apprenticed to Anne Julie, and his career in pipe making began. After working with Julie for three years, he moved onto the Pipe Dan workshop and later to Stanwell. Then Eltang set out on his own in 1980, and has crafted pipes under his name ever since. Based in a workshop in Copenhagen, Eltang produces nearly any shape one can think of and utilizes myriad finishes. Although Eltang's catalog of pipes is vast, they are all united by his classic Danish style.

This Lumberman by Tom Eltang possesses a classically Danish styled bowl, as its supple, tapered form is poised at a gentle forward cant, imbuing this sleek piece with a dash of dynamism. Out back, the Lumberman's requisite oval shank and saddle stem manifest the shape's protracted and sleek profile, resulting in a timeless charm. Additionally, the shank end features a fetching, silver-hued band, though this is an aftermarket band and the price has been adjusted accordingly. Moreover, the stummel is dressed in a smoky chestnut stain, highlighting whorls of birdseye on the top and underside of the shank, which is separated by sweeping streaks of vertical grain on the flanks.