American Estates: Keyer Smooth Apple Tobacco Pipe

The Keyer family started crafting tobacco pipes with Louis Keyer Sr., who was a woodturner by trade and who passed the business down to his son, Charles after Louis passed away in 1897. Charles founded the Keyer pipe and tobacco shop around 1920, and it remained with the family until the 1950s before it came under the ownership of one of the shop's salesmen, who retired and sold the store in 1995. This Apple is one of the shop's house-made pipes, and it's a compact, balanced piece that encroaches on Nosewarmer territory at just over four and a half inches long. The transition is wide and gives way to a slim, tapering shank met by a similarly tapering stem of black vulcanite, keeping the aft side looking slender. Up front, the bowl stands on a round heel and grows supple, curvaceous walls that arc to a chamfered rim, offering a comfortable feel in hand. Dressed in a warm, light stain, the stummel showcases handsome grain throughout, all in a compact and travel-friendly package.