Danish Estates: Royal Guard Partially Sandblasted (575) (by Stanwell) Tobacco Pipe

Though its shape number is stamped "575," this Stanwell-made Royal Guard piece is the marque's "75" shape, which was designed by Sixten Ivarsson. Designated as a Freehand by the Danish marque, this piece fuses elements of the Acorn and Zulu, making for a sleek, supple design. Its subtly domed rim, slight taper to the bowl, oval shank, and gently downturned stem help keep the shape's silhouette minimalist and lend its profile a touch of playfulness as well. The stummel wears a crisp sandblast that reveals fine growth rings, save for the shank end and top of the bowl, which are both finished smooth.

Founded by Poul Nielsen, the Stanwell marque was a trailblazer for Danish pipe-making as it found its place on the global stage. During World War II, with briar supplies low and English pipes in short supply, Poul Nielsen sought to meet the needs of Danish pipe smokers by fashioning his own from beechwood under his company, Kyringe. Once the war was over and briar supply lines recovered, Nielsen changed the company's name to Stanwell, and the company would go on to collaborate with Danish pipe-making legends such as Sixten Ivarsson, Jess Chonowitsch, and Tom Eltang.