Nording Aalborg Partially Rusticated Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

About this pipe:

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. Aalbørg was a make of freehands Nørding produced exclusively for The Tinder Box, a historic North American tobbacconist.

The Aalbørg make was produced by Nørding a long while ago now—at least a decade ago, probably longer—but this one looks almost like it was made yesterday. It’s a very Danish freehand in its basic form, though I will note that the mixed finish, especially in the pipe’s rusticated sections, does have a little bit of Italian character to it, reminiscent of Castello’s Sea Rock or the finishes used by the Becker family.

The condition is excellent. Pre-smoked, but very gently.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 1.01 / 25.65mm

Bowl Depth: 1.83″ / 46.48mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g