Werner Mummert: Sandblasted Reverse Calabash Barrel Tobacco Pipe

An engineer, a member of the European Wood Turner Association, and a pipe maker for nearly 40 years, German artisan Werner Mummert's skills are second to none. Furthermore, Mummert has an exceptional aesthetic eye, drawing inspiration from art exhibitions and pipe making masters such as Balleby, Manduela, and Ivarsson. Mummert has cultivated a unique style that centers around minimalist shaping and exquisite finishes, which occasionally delve into the avant-garde, as can be seen in his glass shanks and LEGO Pokers. Mummert once said, "My goal is this: if you see my pipes, you don't need to look at the stamp to see who made it." Undoubtedly, his original, eye-catching pipes are proof he has achieved his goal.

One of Werner Mummert's signature shapes, the Barrel exudes simplicity due to its streamlined, cylindrical construction. However, there is more than meets the eye on this piece, most notably the internal engineering. The majority of the stummel is comprised of an interior cooling chamber, allowing the smoke to cool as one draws, which promotes a smooth, dry smoking experience. The chamber is capped by a substantial briar tenon, meaning one removes the entire briar ring instead of just the stem, making the cooling chamber easy to clean. Moreover, the stummel is dressed in a mahogany sandblast, showcasing Mummert's ability to coax out astonishingly craggy growth rings from the briar, while the briar cap features a similarly rustic surface but stained a slightly lighter hue.