English Estates: Selected Straight Grain Pot (123) Tobacco Pipe

Indicated by its stamping, this piece was most likely made by Comoy's, whose pipe making is characterized by its strong familial ties. The marque's founder, Henri Comoy, took after his father Francois. Francois started fashioning pipes with his brothers in Saint Claude out of more rudimentary materials until he and his son Louis discovered the benefits of briar. In 1879, Henri brought his skills to London, where he would set up a factory and serve as a key figure in English pipe making while working alongside his sons and nephews. Traditionally inclined in its shaping, this "123" Pot is a classic rendition of the form. Formed by smooth, straight walls, the bowl's squat figure fits snugly in the hand. Out back is an arrow-straight shank-and-stem arrangement, the steam featuring a gradual taper toward the bit. The stummel wears a warm, hazelnut stain that highlights striking vertical grain around the bowl.