Ropp: Mid-Century Sandblasted (M307) Tobacco Pipe

Ropp's "M307" shape is a dynamic and fluidly curved rendition of the classic Skater shape, belonging to the French marque's Mid-Century line and reflecting the Danish tradition of pipe making. The shank and stem here lilt and ebb out of a wide transition, making a consistent, lifting taper out toward the button and infusing this piece with a sleek-lined elegance. The black vulcanite stem is quite lengthy, and its pairing to the shank balances the presence of the bowl up front, which is here poised atop a firm, spurred heel. Said heel's sharpness imbues the underside with a remarkable, sweeping undercurve through the aft, drawing the eye toward the heel, which acts as the visual center for the shape. Above, the bowl stands tall and flares out to a rather pronounced waist at the midsection, its rounding lending it an Egg-like shape and offering a comfortable feel in hand.

Ropp's Mid-Century series embodies the intersection between the French and Scandinavian pipe making traditions. After WWII, Scandinavian pipe production skyrocketed, infusing the craft with minimalist designs and functional aesthetics. The burgeoning Scandinavian workshops turned to France, the progenitor of pipe tradition, to supply them with the tools and knowledge necessary for escalating the modern pipe making movement. The Mid-Century series is comprised of old-stock stummels originally shaped during that exciting time, which were recently finished at the historic Chapius-Comoy factory. Furthermore, the shapes showcase iconic Scandinavian design cues like sweeping, gestural profiles and towering bowls. Additionally, every Mid-Century pipe wears one of Ropp's signature finishes, either a chocolatey sandblast or smooth auburn stain, with this piece being dressed handsomely in the former.