American Estates: Sam Learned Smooth Volcano with Antler (1997) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe
Product Number: 004-009-22305
Born in 1936, Sam Learned was a man with a storied history, being a successful patent lawyer for over a decade before even thinking about carving pipes, something he started in 1996 when he was apprenticed to Jim Margroum. He later received instruction from Ed Burak, garnering a reputation for excellence as his high-quality pipes became more and more popular. In 2015, Learned passed away, his pipes continuing his legacy and representative of a nearly 20-year-long career. This Volcano is an intriguing piece from the artisan, complete with a Brandy-like outline and a lifting, curved combination of shank and stem. The transition is wide, and it gives way to a subtly lifted shank that tapers as it reaches out toward a striking fitment of antler. Said fitment is organic and expressive, flaring out with ample texture and acting as the junction to a short, demurely curved saddle stem, one whose base is shaped to form a sphere-like structure. Up front, the bowl stands on a firm heel that widens out to the Volcano's broad base, which marks the start of the walls' swift taper to the rim and gestural forward cant. Dressed in a warm, light stain, the stummel showcases handsome grain throughout, with flickering flame surrounding the bowl and a broad pattern of birdseye across the underside.
-John McElheny







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CONDITION:
Unsmoked
STAMPING:
SL(Pipemakers Stamp)
97
- Length: 5.95 in./151.13 mm.
- Weight: 2.82 oz./79.83 g.
- Bowl Height: 2.08 in./52.83 mm.
- Chamber Depth: 1.68 in./42.67 mm.
- Chamber Diameter: 0.90 in./22.86 mm.
- Outside Diameter: 1.77 in./44.96 mm.
- Stem Material: Vulcanite
- Filter: None
- Shape: Volcano
- Finish: Smooth
- Material: Briar
- Country: United States