J. Alan Sandblasted Apple with Silver (1612) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

Jeff Gracik learned pipe making from the likes of Todd Johnson, Tonni Nielsen, and Jody Davis. His desire to make the best pipe he possibly can has led him to make some incredible and incredibly unique smoking instruments over the years, including this Apple. The bowl is slightly rotund for an Apple shape and just barely canted forward for a fascinating profile, and the entire stummel takes on a reddish, almost burgundy hue amid the sandblasted grain. A silver accent backs up the shank for a nice touch of elegance, and the vulcanite saddle stem features brief shoulders behind the accent. Jeff's choice of color was a winning one, and he put a great measure of subtlety into the shaping of this piece, all the more impressive due to its 4.61-inch length — just past Nosewarmer territory.