Clarence Mickles 1999 XL Partially Rusticated Bent Pot Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Clarence Mickles was a pipe maker from Illinois, Chicago, and something of a legend within the North American pipe scene. Before making pipes, Mickles was an auto mechanic, which is one reason why he was affectionately known as the “Mechanic.” The other reason is that he was a supremely gifted pipe repairman, in addition to being a respected carver of his own, hand made pipes. Mickles passed away in 2001, after a 30-year career as a pipe maker, but the profound impact he had on the pipe community ensured that he has not been forgotten, especially by collectors.

While sandblasting is the standard way of achieving a “ring grain” relief finish, there are other methods of attaining such without the need for pneumatic instruments. From Sasieni, to Walt Cannoy, to Andrea Gigliuicci, pipe companies and artisans have utilized forms of manual rustication to carefully follow the natural patterning of a stummel and, in doing so, bring out its growth rings by other means. Clarence Mickles was particularly adept at rusticated finishes, and employed numerous approaches to such when making his pipes, including the one in question. Here we find it applied to a particularly stout bent pot rendition, with a level of detail and depth that would put many a blasted pipe to shame.

The condition is very good. Minor rim darkening and chamber slightly over-reamed at the lip.

Details:

Length: 6.3″ / 160.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.95 / 24.13mm

Bowl Depth: 1.90″ / 48.26mm

Weight: 3.3oz / 94g