Nording (1960s-70s) C Grade XL Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Nørding was founded by Erik Nørding in the 1960s, and is one of the oldest remaining companies to come out of the Scandinavian pipe-making renaissance that began in the mid-20th century. Now in his 80s, Erik Nørding is one of the most experienced and skilled pipe-makers in the world, and over the decades he has also been a teacher of other Danish masters, such as Poul Ilsted, Svend Axel Celius, Jens Tao Nielsen, Peder Jeppesen, and Søren Erik Andersen.

By the looks of it, this is quite an early pipe from Erik Nording. At least, it’s early in the Nording brand, before which he carved the SON (Skovbo og Nording) pipes. I’d estimate it to be from somewhere between the mid-1960s and early 1970s, especially with the Danish-language “DANMARK” country of manufacture stamp. It’s a beautiful specimen, too. A respectable “C” grade (at this time, Nording grades were, ascending, F, A, B, C, D, and Extra) paneled freehand in the Danish fancy tradition, the pipe showcases exactly what put Nording pipes on the map: wild, unorthodox shaping and a mastery over briar grain. I’d call this one for the collectors, though it would suit just about anyone that appreciates a good freehand pipe.

The condition is great. Very minor inner rim darkening.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 1.04 / 26.41mm

Bowl Depth: 1.77″ / 44.95mm

Weight: 2.5oz / 72g