Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Nosewarmer Pot (Queen of Hearts) Tobacco Pipe

Nosewarmer renditions of classic shapes are almost as commonplace within Ryan Alden's portfolio as his boldly proportioned, standard-sized variants. That said, this is the first nosewarmer Pot we've received from the American artisan, offering similar proportions as his nosewarmer Billiards, but with a more squat and broad bowl, per the shape's characteristic dimensions. Barely over four inches in length, this offering is about as short and compact as pipes come — easily clenched hands-free and able to be conveniently stowed in a pocket when on-the-go. Despite this smaller size, the design is still representative of Alden's style, as the bowl is thick-walled and robust compared to the more diminutive shank and saddle-stem combination. Furthermore, his deft sandblasting is well represented underneath the dark stain — accented by the smooth, walnut hue of the rim's innermost portion — as is the carver's penchant for brindled vulcanite stems: This particular mouthpiece boasting deep hues of moss and forest green.