American Estates: Thomas James Sandblasted Bent Dublin (2013) Tobacco Pipe

Pennsylvania-based artisan Thomas James possesses a wide-ranging shaping style that encompasses Danish-style traditional profiles, large, neoclassic and avant-garde pieces, and even some that are strikingly organic. This bent Dublin comfortably falls into the second category, with a very tightly-knit build that immediately favors the bowl proportionally. The shank ebbs out of an acute transition, lifting up slightly and flaring to meet a rounded fitment of black vulcanite which marks the junction to the saddle stem of the same material. Said stem is adorned with a firm expansion ring at the base, its growth matching the spread of the shank end fitment quite well, and nestles into this ring, making for a seamless look. The bowl is nothing short of expansive, flaring dramatically from its sweeping heel to the broad, domed rim, the left flank of its walls spotted with a beauty mark of mammoth ivory. This spot stands out in stark contrast to the earthy sandblast dressing the stummel, its mahogany hues revealing rippling ring grain around the bowl, while the rim is peppered with birdseye.