Savinelli Autograph: Artisan Freehand (6mm) Tobacco Pipe

Compared to the many other Freehands that we have seen from Savinelli's Autograph line, this example is far more subdued, though that seems to be the case with many of their "Linea Artisan" series pipes. The first thing that strikes me about this pipe is the bowl, as it's shaping is quite classic for a Freehand pipe, and it looks to be a fusion of both Egg and Brandy shapes, as it has the inflated fore and slight peak to the rim of the former, but still maintains the latter's upright posture and aft end curvature. Of course, one cannot talk about this pipe without mentioning the heel. Why? Because its pronounced, rearward-facing spur draws the eye toward it unceasingly, and its placement just below the transition draws some of the visual weight away from the bowl, thereby giving the shank a chance to be appreciated. Said shank's angle lends the demurely curved saddle stem a delightful posture, and gives the silhouette a sense of posed grace. The briar is stained a handsome, warm chestnut hue, revealing a wonderful flame grain structure surrounding the bowl and some dense birdseye on the underside, focused on the heel.