Vauen: Curve Smooth (133) (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

Vauen's Curve series of pipes has presented us with some of the German marque's most distinctive designs, so when I see that they've included a Billiard amongst it's ranks, I find myself intrigued. In many respects this "133" is quite the classically oriented piece, with a straight stretch of shank and tapered stem paired to a proud, solid bowl with a touch of plumpness about its midsection that offers a slight taper to the rim. However, when one gazes upon the junction between stem and shank, a distinct flare can be seen ebbing out of the transition coming to its apex at the end and meeting the stem with a striking bulge. The smooth finish that dresses this piece is a warm auburn hued one that reveals some handsome grain, with a striking birdseye display on either flank of the bowl.