American Estates: Clark Layton Smooth Freehand with Black Palm (Early Piece) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

A talented pipe maker who has solidly established himself in the pipe-making community, Clark Layton's skills are on full display in the shaping and accenting of this Freehand, which appears to be one of the American carver's earlier pieces. This unsmoked Freehand displays a softly inflated rim and rounded base, the shaping an amalgamation of Apple and Rhodesian design. The gently bent shank-and-stem arrangement stretches out behind, while a trim accoutrement of black palm, with its own unique grain patterns adds further organicism. Dressed in a smooth chestnut stain that highlights the natural grain patterns of the briar stummel, this piece is topped by a contrasting cream-hued mouthpiece.