Former: Smooth Prince Tobacco Pipe

While we've seen a number of elegant Billiards and Apples from Hans "Former" Nielsen over the years, this is the first example of the traditional Prince shape we've received from the Danish artisan — counting both new and estate pipes alike. It certainly captures the overall silhouette of the iconic French and English model, only rendered even more elegant and supple through Nielsen's Danish treatment of the shape's lines and curves. The heel is much lighter and more lifting of gesture, the bowl's waistline more pronounced with plump cheeks to either flank, and the bend just a touch more reserved — only implying a serpentine flow in profile. As you might expect, it fits the hand naturally, the bowl's plump curves seemingly melding against the contours of the palm. And the grain is just stunning: a gorgeous flame pattern brought out through a subtly warm walnut contrast stain and a medium gloss.

- Andrew Wike