Becker Smooth Freehand (Royal Flush) (Elite) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Federico Becker represents the third generation of his family turning pipes, following in the footsteps of grandfather, Fritz, and father, Paolo, who founded the Becker workshop together in 1974. The self-titled brand Federico carries on today is known for organic renditions of classic shapes, most commonly featuring sharp, angular heels.

Becker awarded this Freehand the "Royal Flush" designation, so nicknamed for the highest-possible hand in the game of Poker — a 10-to-Ace straight of the same suit, its probability of being dealt on a particular hand stands at nearly 650,000 to 1. Similar are the odds of finding a pipe with grain this excellent. Excellent birdseye decorates the walls of the bowl, which is Dublin-like but with points at its fore and aft and a ridgeline running through the underside that frames some short flame grain. The stummel is finished smoothly to allow the grain to breathe, and breathe it does, including a wide helping of cross grain on the rim of the bowl. The shank is upturned into a bent, tapered cumberland stem that ends in a wide, concave bit, the swirls of the cumberland offering a welcome dash of color to the piece. Pleasing to the touch and dashing to the eyes, this piece earned its Royal Flush, and is certain to earn its place as a favorite among any collection in which it lands.