Former: Sandblasted Apple with Silver Tobacco Pipe

As one of Denmark's most revered artisans, Former's legacy is rooted in tradition yet shaped by a continuous pursuit of perfection. Beginning his career at just 15, Nielsen honed his skills under Poul Rasmussen before moving into a supervisory role at the iconic W.Ø. Larsen workshop, where he helped guide and mentor legendary figures like Teddy Knudsen, Tonni Nielsen, and Jess Chonowitsch. After a decade at Larsen, he struck out on his own, forging a reputation for excellence that has since influenced generations of craftsmen around the globe.

Former's Apple designs are some of the artisan's most recognizable works, and the shape has become somewhat of a signature in his portfolio. This particular Apple showcases all the hallmarks of Former's mature style — thoughtful design, clean shaping, and flawless engineering — all within a compact footprint just over five inches. The pert, rounded bowl rests on a soft heel, its walls rising gracefully to a softly inflated, chamfered rim. A wide, subtly cheeked transition gives way to a low-slung shank, capped at the end with a silver mount that offers structural reinforcement. The vulcanite stem features an expansion ring near its base, introducing some playful contrast to the otherwise minimalist profile. The stummel is finished in a warm auburn-hued sandblast that reveals a striking array of flame grain on both flanks, with a dense spread of birdseye along the underside and rim.

As with all of Former's creations, the proportions of this piece are precise, the weight distribution intuitive, and the tactile experience is deeply satisfying — a reflection of a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of excellence through simplicity, function, and timeless forms.