Pipe Tristan Ammonite Rusticated Dublin w/ Silver Handmade Briar Pipe, New

Description

I used to say that Pipe Tristan’s Tristan Lefebvre was part of a “new wave” of “up-and-coming” artisans from France, the very birthplace of the briar pipe. But that description doesn’t do him justice these days. Lefebvre isn’t so much a “part” of the latest generation of French artisans as the craftsman leading the charge; likewise, he is no longer “up-and-coming,” but has already secured himself a place alongside historic compatriots such as Alain Albuisson, Paul Lanier, and Pierre Morel Sr and Jr. Lefebvre does still, however, credit the same major influences upon his pipe-making. These include as modern greats from Italy and Denmark like Castello and Tom Eltang, as well as more unique sources of inspiration, such as the centuries-old hunting pipes native to Germany’s southern Bavarian region. As such, Tristan is equally at home crafting his own spin on the ’55,’ the hawbill, or the Danish Dublin, as he is reviving the Ulmer Kloben – when he isn’t inventing his own shapes, that is.

Tristan Lefebvre’s signature “Ammonite” finish finds its inspiration in the fossils of prehistoric marine life, whose grooves and contours he blends with planes of Italian-style pebble-dash rustication to a unique effect. That’s part of what I like about Tristan: he knows that there’s more to pipes than straight grain smooths and ring grain sandblasts (though he is highly adept with those finishes, too). Another thing I like is his precision, crafting pipes that are well balanced, that sit when they’re supposed to, and are flush where they are supposed to be. And last, but by no means least, is his commitment to continual development of his range of skills, with this particular, plateaux top Dublin featuring a sterling silver army mount turned by Tristan himself, after spending months learning to do his own silversmithing.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.77″ / 44.95mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g