Nording Extra Grade XL Smooth Freehand Sitter 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.

While the “Extra” pipes made by Nording today are essentially Danish Fancy freehand pipes with extra design elements, such as exotic accents and mounts, this is not always how the label has been used in Erik Nording’s output. Way back when, an “Extra” was not a series or a line of Nording pipes, but a grade. In fact, it was the highest grade that Nording’s freehand pipes could attain, and was far from common. This one is a stunning example of a certain subgenre of Danish freehand pipes that Nording, along with Bjarne and Soren, were notable for, and whose closest traditional analog would probably be the cavalier. As briar-bowled cavaliers tend to feature, these pipes had flattened bases which, in the Danish style, were often expanded so that the pipe could comfortably sit upright despite their inordinate size, as this one does. As was also the style, this one has its bowl positioned at an angle, making for an easy sipper when held. Where this pipe differs from the average freehand cavalier is its grain, which in this instance is superbly straight and consistent—hence its lofty grade.

The condition is great. Very minor inner rim darkening and slight handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.74″ / 44.19mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 68g