Randy Wiley: Galleon Bent Billiard (44) Tobacco Pipe

Randy Wiley's signature shaping style seems to nod more towards the Italian neoclassic style than the Danish or English, namely in the way he handles the distribution of visual weight in his designs. Such an approach was common during American pipe making in the 1970s, when Wiley began his carving career, and he often touches on this style in his work. Wiley's career began at the age of 25, carving pipes for a Florida-based manufacturer for two years before striking out on his own, coming to be known as one of the United States' most distinctive pipe makers. Compared to most of his other takes on the bent Billiard shape, this iteration is quite reserved, with an understated curvature through the shank and stem. The bowl, however, still maintains the majority of the visual weight, with a pronounced heel and thick, gently tapering walls that rise to a smooth rim. A wide transition out back gives way to a rather slim shank-and-stem combination that's nicely curved for comfortable smoking. Dressed in the Galleon rustication, the stummel offers ample texture to appreciate, while the smooth rim showcases a light stain for contrast.