Ropp: Algerian Superior Paneled Acorn Tobacco Pipe

The Acorn isn't typically known as a classic Anglo-French shape, associated more with Danish pipemaking. This rendition from Ropp, however, is just what one would expect a French rendition to look like. Slightly forward-canted, the bowl displays the shape's characteristically high-set waistline, rounded to inform the rim, yet its plumpness is considerably more reserved and contains, remaining quite conservative in profile. Contrasting this conservatism, the paneled shaping of the bowl adds a crisp texture in hand and combines with the diamond shank for a geometric aesthetic.

Like the Vintage line, Ropp's Algerian Superior series boasts stummels that were found at the Chapuis-Comoy factory. Turned decades ago but never finished, they showcase old-school shaping and a traditional, chestnut stain fitted to an ebonite stem for a classic appeal. Unlike Ropp's Vintage pipes, Algerian Superior pieces are presented only in a smooth finish, having been sourced from select-quality Algerian briar that's free of fills, similar to the Vintage Superior series, which pairs smooth-finished, fill-free stummels to horn stems.