Former: Smooth Billiard with Silver Tobacco Pipe

When an artisan pipe maker with over 60 years of experience crafts a rendition of a traditional shape-chart standard, it attracts attention and warrants admiration, and this Billiard from Hans "Former" Nielsen is an excellent reason why. This interpretation reaffirms Former's mastery of classic shapes, presenting a beautifully balanced and thoroughly Danish interpretation of the timeless form. Measuring just over five-and-a-half inches long, it's a conveniently sized Billiard, with the shank and stem displaying spot-on proportions in relation to the bowl. Subtle cheeking is employed at the transition, supporting the shaping of the bowl and adhering to traditional Danish design cues. The flanks taper slightly in a forward cant to the softly rounded rim, with its innermost portion gently curving inwards to the chamber. The rich, lustrous contrast stain tastefully accentuates the windswept flame grain around the bowl, while a sterling silver mount adorns the shank end for further visual appreciation of this magnificent piece.