Becker: Sandblasted Bent Dublin Sitter (Three Clubs) Tobacco Pipe

A whimsical and incredibly practical bent Dublin from Federico Becker, this rendition from the Italian artisan is truly impressive in terms of shaping, grain, and its versatility. The bowl is strongly canted, with its fore dramatically tapered and slanted while the heel is flattened, allowing this piece to sit stably without the need for a pipe rest. The high-kicking shank-and-stem combination emerge from the transition like a branch sprouting from a tree trunk, with the cumberland stem terminating in an extremely subtle downturn that counterbalances the bowl's forward-urging momentum. The virgin finish is a rarity, indicating flawless briar and the opportunity to watch the pipe warmly darken in color over the years as it gradually patinates. The sandblasted finish bespeaks Federico's talent in the blasting cabinet as tight, undulating grain patterns ripple across the surface of the tall bowl with the rim polished smooth for textural contrast. It's a conveniently sized, lightweight, and highly creative design from an enormously talented artisan.