Ian Barnes Smooth Cobra Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

Ian Barnes was a Canadian pipe maker from Edmonton, Alberta. Technically, he still is, but he’s been on indefinite hiatus from pipe making for years. It’s quite unfortunate, really, as if you’re familiar with his pipes, they’re very nice. I’ve always said that what Canada lacks in quantity, so far as pipe makers go, they more than make up for it in quality.

This curious little cobra rendition by Barnes is a great example of both his skill and his style. As for the latter, I do remember that Barnes’ work often leaned toward shorter, stubbier pieces, but with plenty of muscle to them, which is certainly true for this one. He was also excellent when it came to shaping and making the most out of the briar he used. In the case of this cobra, everything is where it should be: the continuous plane that runs from its “front” to its base is one big field of bird’s-eye, while the “hooded” flanks of the bowl create a fittingly reptilian procession of stripes down and then back up to the shank’s end.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It comes with its original sleeve.

Details:

Length: 5″ / 127.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.65″ / 41.91mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g