Abe Herbaugh: Sandblasted Dublin with Silver Spigot Tobacco Pipe

Abe Herbaugh is exceptionally skilled at crafting stunning renditions of timeless shape-chart standards and this thoroughly traditional Dublin is an excellent example of the American artisan's talents. The most striking and eye-catching element on this piece is the sterling silver spigot mount Abe has fashioned. Herbaugh calls the intricate carving along the shank end cap a "tulip" motif, adding impressive detail and showcasing his stellar silverwork. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the spigot configuration offers added durability to the shank and mortise, allowing the stem to be safely removed from the stummel at any time — even while the pipe is still warm.

While the silverwork is indeed spectacular, the shaping and finish also deserve praise. Measuring less than five inches in total length, this is a compact piece rife with detail and displays well-balanced proportions between bowl, shank, and stem. The sandblasted finish is rather light in terms of depth but perfectly showcases the briar's tight, undulating grain patterns. Rippling waves of grain rise in concert with the bowl's flaring flanks, climbing upwards toward the smooth-polished rim. Herbaugh's stem work is some of the best in modern pipe making and this piece upholds his reputation, with a gradually tapering and comfortably shaped mouthpiece completing what will be a stellar addition to any collection.