Cornelius Manz: Smooth Saucer with Horn (AA) Tobacco Pipe

Despite eliminating his grading system, Cornelius Mänz still maintains his highest "AA" designation, lent here to this Saucer. The shape hews closely to the Japanese school, the shank line broken up by the rounded heel spur, echoing the flare at the horn ferrule. Said horn comes from an old French stock that Mänz implemented here in stunning fashion. The grain, then, offers yet another awe-inspiring element: Straight grain wrapping the squat bowl, leaving a dizzying array of birdseye at the broad rim, which undulates slightly in a subtle use of asymmetry. Finally, the mouthpiece is the cherry on top, a testament to Mänz's unparalleled craftsmanship, which collectors attest is some of the best, most comfortable bit work in the industry, matched only by its expert engineering. Such an immaculate combination makes it difficult to pinpoint this piece's best aspect. Is it the sublime shaping, the perfect grain, or the expert stem work? We'll let you decide.