J. Alan Smooth Billiard with Horn (952) (2014) (Unsmoked) 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 incredibly unique smoking instruments over the years, including this Billiard. The piece stretches just outside Nosewarmer territory at 4.89 inches and weighs in a little below one and one-third ounces, but manages to pack plenty of physical beauty into its relatively brief dimensions. Swirling birdseye decorates the right flank of the bowl and cross grain decorates the left, all of it finished smoothly and stained a bright auburn hue. The bowl is shaped near that of a Brandy with its tapered walls and is backed by a round, arrow-straight shank that quickly yields to an accent of horn. The stem is a saddle-style length of vulcanite, finishing this remarkable piece with a nice bit of poise.