Christophe Wolff Sandblasted Lovat w/ Juma Handmade Briar Pipe, New

Description

France appears to be undergoing something of a revival recently when it comes to its maîtres-pipiers. Chapuis-Comoy & Cie., which manufactures Chacom, Ropp, and other pipes, is, of course, still going strong with two centuries of history at its back. But there is also a growing number of native and expatriate solo pipe makers in France today, many of whom have already demonstrated their prowess on the world stage. These include members of the old guard of French artisanry, such as Pierre Morel and Pierre Voisin, as well the newer generation, comprised of figures such as as Tristan Lefebvre, Joseph Rimbaud, Belgian-born Bruno Nuttens, and English-born Chris Herriot. Christophe Wolff is another example of the latter. A former mechanic and machinist, Wolff would later study aspects of high-grade pipe making with Jean-Luc Rochat and Bruno Nuttens, culminating in the creation of Wolff Pipes. Wolff is highly skilled in both traditional and free-hand pipe making, crafting expert renditions of Anglo-French classics, as well as more modern designs, including his own interpretations of the Morelian fleur.

While Christophe Wolff is certainly a pipe maker who leans into his French heritage, one gets the sense that his renditions of traditional shapes are a little more… English. This is most evident (though not exclusively) in his sandblasted pieces, which evoke early Barlings, patent era Dunhill, and Ashton under Bill Taylor, in their tenacious pursuit of ring grain. This lightweight Lovat is no different in that regard, though it’s undoubtedly a more modern design on the whole. In addition to its impressive relief, the pipe has been finished in a warm red top coat, and paired with a blue ebonite stem and an ivory-like Juma inlay.

 

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.53″ / 38.86mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 28g