Danish Estates: Royal Danish Smooth (169) (by Stanwell) (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

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. This Billiard comes from Stanwell's Royal Danish brand and features a trim, lightweight build. The pert, upright bowl here is formed by supple walls that rise from the subtly rounded heel toward the flat rim. Extending from the bowl is a lithe round shank that meets a tapering stem of jet-black vulcanite, the arrangement promoting a comfortable clench. The stummel wears a rich stain that highlights healthy grain throughout.