Kurt Balleby Smooth Rhodesian Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates, 9mm

Description

Along with figures such as Hans ‘Former’ Nielsen, Anne Julie, and Tom Eltang, Kurt Balleby Hansen is one of the living legends of Danish pipe-making. Balleby celebrated his 40th year in the craft in 2023, having first started as an apprentice to Kai Nielsen and Preben Holm. Owing to a highly selective approach to the briar he uses, and to the over 150 steps involved in making a Balleby pipe, production is limited, and their availability is scarce.

It is not every day that you get to handle a Balleby. In fact, for most, the probability of ever handling one is close to nil. I feel quite honored in that I was able to inspect this one for myself, though the feeling is bittersweet, as I will not be able to keep it. This one came to us through our consignment program; it’s a stunning, eminently Danish Rhodesian, with a perfect combination of vertical straight grain and bird’s-eye patterns on its rim. The stem is hand cut cumberland, and features an accent that looks – to me – like zebrawood. Finally, at the base of the stem lies Balleby’s emblem: a 14 carat gold inlay.

The condition is excellent. There’s a little, minor inner rim darkening, but I see nothing else of note. The pipe is chambered for 9mm filters, but would likely accommodate an adapter for non-filtered use.

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.84 / 21.33mm

Bowl Depth: 1.65″ / 41.91mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g