Italian Estates: London Pipes Smooth Bent Apple (Skins Game) (49) Tobacco Pipe

Low-slung and squat, bringing to mind a plumper Tomato shape, this bent Apple from London Pipes displays a slight forward cant at the bowl that is balanced in profile by the trim, oval shank that flares gently coming out of the neat transition, which boasts some lively cheeking. The elegance of the piece remains in its subtle, refined proportions, lending the pipe a lightweight disposition in hand. The stummel wears a dark, smoky smooth finish that perfectly showcases the wind-swept flame grain on one flank and the whorls of birdseye on the other, providing plenty of visual intrigue. Topped off by a tapered stem of jet-black vulcanite, a perfect complementing color to the stummel, this piece is replete with graceful charm that should make a welcome addition to any collector's rotation, especially those with an eye for dynamic, sleek designs.