Borge Mortensen Smooth Volcano Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Børge Mortensen was a Danish artisan pipe-maker based in Haderslev. Mortensen worked for over 30 years at some of Denmark’s major pipe companies, including Kriswill and Bari, before beginning his solo career in pipe-making. While Mortensen was not well known outside of Denmark during his lifetime, he was a favorite among Danish pipe smokers, with whom he developed a loyal customer base.

It’s funny, as far as I know, Mortensen died a couple decades ago, but I see very similar shaping in this volcano to ones from more contemporary artisans, especially those of North America. With its convex base and parabolic sides, it is a lot closer to natural volcanoes than the traditional shapes of old, lending it a very distinct and enjoyable appearance. What’s most curious is the flared shank, almost like the faux bamboo found on Italian pipes, like Radice, though I have no idea if that was the intention. All in all, a very interesting piece.

The condition is great. Minor inner rim darkening.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.75″ / 19.05mm

Bowl Depth: 1.28″ / 32.51mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g