Pipe Tristan XL Natural Sandblast Dublin Sitter 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.

In the world of high-end briar pipes, natural sandblast finishes are a rare thing. This is because, for the high-end pipe maker, this would mean that the imperfections one so commonly finds in briar are left completely exposed—or are even highlighted—by such finishes. This is the reason why the Tanshell, for example, makes up such a small fraction of the yearly output of the Dunhill factory. But, when the briar is suitable, a near-naked finish produces astounding results, both upon completion and in the warm patina that such a pipe develops over time, in a manner not unlike good meerschaum. This Dublin sitter from Tristan Lefebvre is a genuine beauty already, with its bowl showcasing a deep, ring grain sandblast left unsullied by unnecessary staining. After a few months of consistent companionship, however, it should be even more remarkable. This is likely why Lefebvre also chose to add a sterling silver army mount (turned by his own hands), as well as a cumberland ebonite stem—both of which will complement the pipe’s soon-to-be golden stummel even more so than they do now.

 

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.97″ / 50.03mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g