Abe Herbaugh: Smooth Apple with Musk Ox Horn Tobacco Pipe

A smooth-finished twin to another pipe Abe Herbaugh made in 2020, this Apple combines muscular proportions in an overall compact size. Though only about five inches in length, the relative proportions lend the impression of belonging to a much larger pipe. It's similar in size to an Apple rendition we recently received from Abe; however, the military mount configuration of the latter example lent the form a more streamlined nature. Here, the American carver has extended the muscular shank in Lovat-like fashion, and the abbreviated, slender saddle stem emphasizes the stummel's heartiness even further. Such shaping makes this a pocket pipe that remains substantial in hand and well-insulated of chamber. The finish displays a dark contrast stain, with subtle highlights, and it draws focus to the pale accent of musk ox horn along the stem base. Abe has been using musk ox horn more and more lately, and it's a unique material, presenting shimmering grain patterns and a creamy palette noticeably different than the horn usually used in pipe making.