Becker: Smooth Acorn (Royal Flush) Tobacco Pipe

A muscular Acorn from Federico Becker, this piece is a distinct rendition within the Italian carver's portfolio and yet remains readily recognizable as Becker's work. I always marvel at artisans who are able to incorporate their signature shaping cues into a piece that still remains unique and individual compared to the maker's other work. Specifically, this piece embodies the typically angular style characteristic of Becker's work, with the bowl tilted forward and emphasized by a pointed heel — but closer to the bowl's lower fore, rather than the underside like typical Acorn renditions. Those design elements distinguish this piece as a Becker pipe, but Federico has altered the proportions here, separating it from other Acorns in his portfolio. The bowl is affably rounded and displays a high-set waistline, those aspects combining to create quite a muscular sense of relative proportion against the trimmer shank and sleek saddle stem. That said, it's not an excessively large piece and remains extremely lightweight. Furthermore, Federico forwent his typical use of sandblasted finish, dressing this piece in a gorgeously smooth, auburn stain that highlights a stunning array of flame grain, earning one of his highest grades: Royal Flush.