Sandblasted Billiard (Two Clubs) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

Federico Becker represents the third generation of his family turning pipes, following in the footsteps of grandfather, Fritz, and father, Paolo, who founded the Becker workshop together in 1974. The self-titled brand Federico carries on today is known for organic renditions of classic shapes, most commonly featuring sharp, angular heels. In many ways, the straightforward style of the English school can be observed through Federico's sandblasted pipes, such as this Billiard.

Darkly stained flame grain and growth rings can be observed and appreciated across the stummel, which is fronted by a straight-walled bowl with Becker's typical sharp heel at the bottom and an inflated rim at the top. The slender shank has a light downward cant and is backed with a tapered cumberland stem. The rich burgundy of the stem offers a nice splash of color to this piece without overwhelming the dark palette of the briar. All told, this is a handsomely shaped piece on Becker's part, and one that will no doubt please fans of the Billiard's more modern renditions.