Danish Estates: Stanwell Sandblasted Brandy (DM) (2013) Tobacco Pipe

Pipes from Stanwell stamped with the "DM" designation are unique pieces specifically made to be used during the Danish Pipe Smoking Championships, each stamped with the year the design was smoked for the competition. For 2013, Stanwell selected this sleek take on the Billiard, complete with a consistently tapering shank-and-stem combination, one which lifts very slightly out of the wide transition. Up front, the bowl stands on a rounded heel and grows plump, softly tapering walls that rise to a flat rim, offering a comfortable feel in hand. Dressed in a crisp sandblast and deep, earthy stain, the stummel showcases handsome grain throughout.

During World War 2, while Europe was embroiled in turmoil, briar scarcity and limited international shipping meant that Danish pipe smokers couldn't obtain pipes from England. To fill this void, Poul Nielsen began making pipes out of beechwood under the name Kyringe. After the war, Nielsen transitioned to making briar pipes, and eventually changed his brand's name to Stanwell. Stanwell became an immensely popular marque that often collaborated with notable Danish artisans, like Sixten Ivarsson, Jess Chonowitsch, Anne Julie, and Tom Eltang.