Bjarne Nielsen Signature Grade B Smooth Brandy w/ Silver Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates, 9mm

Description

Bjarne Nielsen was one of the towering figures of Danish pipe-making until his passing in 2008. As the founder of Bjarne, Nielsen employed talented pipe-makers from Denmark to produce distinctly Danish pipes and sold them to a devoted international audience. Among those in his employ were figures such as Mogens Johansen (also known as Johs), Ph. Vigen, Ole Bandholm and Tonni Nielsen. Though Bjarne pipes are no longer manufactured, they are still in good demand by those who enjoy well-made pipes in the tradition of Danish design.

While the company was still operational, Bjarne pipes were divided into two main categories: the workshop’s standard output, stamped “BJARNE,” and the workshop’s higher-end output, stamped “Bjarne Nielsen.” All of them were Bjarne pipes; all of them were made under the direction of Bjarne Nielsen himself; and all of them were excellent Danish pipes. But Bjarne Nielsen pipes were a little more special. Somewhat like WO Larsen and its Straight Grain grades, Bjarne’s “Signature” grades were made in their entirety by individual artisans from among the highest echelons of Danish pipe making. These included Tonni Nielsen and Jes Phillip Vigen Gertsen, also known as Ph. Vigen. Based on the distinctly squat shaping of this one, I would be very surprised if it wasn’t one of Vigen’s pipes.

Like WO Larsen, Bjarne’s Signature pipes were graded, though instead of a numerical system, Bjarne’s was alphabetical. There were the “AX” grades, which were the highest accorded to Signature pieces, after which came “A” grades, then “B” grades, and so on down the alphabet. As a B grade, this one will have been third from the very top, a qualification very much earned by the straight grain and beautifully plump shaping this one exhibits. As a cherry on top, this one has a sterling silver collar.

The condition is very good. Some small scratches around the bowl and darkening on the inner rim. The pipe is chambered to allow for the use of 9mm filters if preferred.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.98 / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 1.37″ / 34.79mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g