Former: Smooth Billiard with Silver Tobacco Pipe

When I think Danish Billiard, this profile is the shape that comes to mind. As well it should, given that Hans "Former" Nielsen has been making pipes in Denmark for over 60 years, and has not only perfected his craft but has also massively influenced other pipe makers across the globe. That being said, he gave this Billiard a bit of extra verticality than most in his portfolio, with a bowl ebbing past two inches in height for a more regal posture, not to mention plenty of real estate to display its absolutely stunning cross grain and birdseye. Distinct cheeking at the transition provides an aesthetic of substance while the svelte, rounded shank and trim chamber walls keep the weight of the piece very light.

It's finished smooth with a glossy auburn contrast stain, with mesmerizing fields of birdseye resplendent on both flanks, while uniform striations adorn the near and aft sides of the bowl, the shank, and the smoothly chamfered rim all with clean precision. The shank is crowned by a silver accent, which works in elegant concert with more silverwork on the stem base to artfully conceal a standard mortise-and-tenon arrangement. One of Former's hand-cut and funneled vulcanite saddle stems tops everything off, with more than a half-century of experience promising a superb and comfortable smoke.