Danish Estates: Former Smooth Arne Jacobsen (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Hans "Former" Nielsen, a master pipe maker with decades of experience, has built a renowned portfolio that spans signature designs, creative takes on classic shapes, and a shaping style that stands at the forefront of Danish pipe-making. At just 15, Nielsen began by repairing pipes at Poul Rasmussen's Copenhagen shop before moving on to a supervisory role at W.Ø. Larsen. He later launched his own artisan pipe-making journey, earning global acclaim. Today, his pipes are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Former's rendition of the iconic Danish shape, the Arne Jacobsen, is a tribute to the famed Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen. Known for his work in architectural functionalism and innovative furniture designs, Jacobsen was also an avid pipe smoker, often favoring slender, lightweight Dublin— much like this particular piece. The bowl stands tall, and despite its slim proportions, the tobacco chamber is exactly two inches deep, allowing long, unhurried smoking sessions. The shank and stem stretch gracefully, contributing to an overall length of just over six inches. Despite its size, the pipe remains surprisingly lightweight, making it both practical and easily clenchable, even for a pipe of this length. A gentle flare from the heel to the rim accentuates the bowl's height, while the slender, low-set shank and stem create a nice juxtaposition between the fore and aft. As expected from a Former pipe, the grain is simply stunning. Tight flame grain elegantly frames the rim and shank, while a gorgeous display of birdseye graces the underside and face of the bowl.