Former Smooth Freehand Sitter (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

"Former" is the nickname belonging to the legendary Danish pipe maker Hans Nielsen. Nielsen's career spans the better part of almost seven decades. Throughout his extensive time in the profession, he has worked with a plethora of celebrated pipe makers and brands, including W.Ø. Larsen, Poul Rasmussen, Emil and Jess Chonowitsch, and Bentley. Nielsen's pipes are highly coveted for their stunning balance between form, function, and technique, as evidenced by this Freehand Sitter. From a small, flat heel, four curved panels unfurl like the petals of a flower, topped by a subtly domed rim. The bowl formed by these walls curves forward, counterbalancing a sinuous, diamond-shaped shank-and-stem arrangement out back. Viewing the pipe from above, its subdued rightward turn is reminiscent of the organic asymmetry in a Blowfish. It's clear that Former cut the bowl's panels to frame sections of cross grain and birdseye, demonstrating his aptitude for balancing the shape of the briar with the grain within. With its flat heel and capcious chamber, this would make an excellent desk pipe for those who like to smoke while working.