German Estates: Rainer Barbi Smooth Bent Dublin (AB) (688) (1987-1992) Tobacco Pipe

Among Germany's most esteemed artisan carvers, Rainer Barbi enjoyed a renowned pipe-making career before passing away in 2011. His pipes were often finished smooth, beautifully combining artful shaping with stunning grain orientation, and this bent Dublin, likely fashioned in 1988 based on the "688" stamp, is an excellent example. My eyes are immediately drawn to the shank-and-stem combination, the sunny, golden hue of the acrylic stem catching my attention, while the shank's curved continuation into the half-saddle portion of the stem maintains it. Though quite squat, the bowl flares in Dublin fashion, but features the proportions and chamber dimensions associated with the traditional Pot. Such shaping creates a broad rim for displaying wonderful birdseye, while the flanks are covered with flame and straight grain in a rich, chestnut stain.