Former: Smooth Apple with Silver Tobacco Pipe

More than any other shape, the Apple dominates Hans "Former" Nielsen's portfolio. His signature rusticated renditions are eminently recognizable and beloved for their workhorse qualities, but the Danish artisan enjoys crafting myriad interpretations of the design, varying the exact proportions, dimensions, and accent materials while maintaining a similar style of curvature and plumpness to distinguish them as Former's distinctive artistry.

This particular Nosewarmer iteration is a sister pipe, of sorts, to one we received previously from Former, distinguished by a compact length, stout proportions, a silver band, and a saddle stem. This example is even shorter than that previous version, yet its bowl reflects an in-hand presence and chamber depth on par with Group 4-sized pieces, with the profile's Nosewarmer aspect defined by the abbreviated shank and stem. That said, the shank's muscularity balances the bowl's robustness, all accentuated by the slender diminution of the mouthpiece, yet the silver band on this Apple is a narrower than its sister piece. Such an aesthetic choice effectively serves to make the shank-and-stem combination appear sleeker — a fitting design cue that complements the sterling silver's regal air. That regality is rivaled only by the stummel's stunning cross-cut grain pattern, framing the flanks in dizzying birdseye highlighted by a deep, mahogany stain.