American Estates: Chheda Smooth Billiard (6) (144) (2012) Tobacco Pipe

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Premal Chheda is one of the most well-respected American artisans, possessing an extensive portfolio of, primarily, classically-inspired shapes. Furthermore, Chheda has also taught many famous pipe-makers, such as Bill Shalosky and Micah Cryder, the craft firsthand, resulting in an incredibly influential legacy. This Billiard is a stout and robust pipe, with a good deal of thickness present throughout its build that lends it a hearty feel in hand. The bowl presents a Brandy-like style, as the walls take on a plump and arcing taper toward the rim from a low-set waistline, though not with the same definition as a Brandy. Out back, the thick, round shank emerges from a wide transition and flows into a broad double accent at the end, comprising a trim band of dark wood and a much larger band of light wood. Additionally, the stummel is dressed in a warm, rich stain, the smooth finish showcasing broad fields of birdseye across both flanks of the briar.