Chris Asteriou: Smooth Chubby Billiard with Silver (57/16) Tobacco Pipe

No other shape just scales quite as well as the classic Billiard. Being one of the oldest shape chart standards, we've seen this timeless form range from stout and muscular nosewarmers of undeniable charm to the long, slender, elegant pieces often seen hanging from the lips of Bing Crosby and the like. It's this adaptability that has no doubt helped make the shape so ubiquitous, allowing independent artisans, like Chris Asteriou, to put their own creative spin on the design without compromising the inherent qualities or character of the age-old shape. And that's just what he's done here in this "Chubby" example, beefing up the overall proportions of the piece while keeping the length fairly abbreviated to produce a stocky, charming interpretation just an inch or so (maybe just half an inch) shy of true nosewarmer territory. What's more, he's really emphasized the inherent classiness of the design as well, finishing it in an understated walnut contrast, topped with a broad band of bright sterling silver.

- Andrew Wike