Clarence Mickles (2001) Extra Large Rusticated Egg (Unsmoked Estate)

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 another artisan who was particularly adept at rusticated finishes, and employed numerous approaches to such when making his pipes, including those of a faux sandblast style. This “pocket magnum” egg rendition, for instance, is uncanny in its resemblance to not only the grain patterns typically brought out by a good sandblast, but also the rich texture given to briar with each go-through in the cabinet. On a last note, this would appear to have been one of Mickles’s final pipes, having been crafted in the same year of his passing.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 2.21″ / 56.13mm

Weight: 3.2oz / 92g