Michael Butera Classic Grain Dublin (4) (000J) (89) Tobacco Pipe

Michael Butera's limited production can make his pipes hard to track down, not in the least because they are so treasured by collectors. An American artisan of the highest order, Butera is widely seen as an influence on his fellow pipe makers, including Steve Weiner, Larry Roush, and Mike Frey.

Michael did an incredible job of maximizing the grain on this pipe, managing to craft a bowl surrounded entirely with absolutely stunning flame grain that is matched on the sides of the shank. The rim, top of the shank and bottom of the shank through to the heel feature tight flame grain, with the entire stummel dressed in a rich, light walnut-colored stain that allows the grain to be easily followed by the eye. The finish is smooth and plays gently with light, while the saddle stem is made of black acrylic with tall shoulders. Undoubtedly, the grain plays the starring role in this piece, coating the lightly canted bowl with straight, parallel lines that emphasize Michael's talent for finding the best possible grain in a block.