Randy Wiley Meteor 33 Extra Large Partially Rusticated Freehand (Estate)

Beginning his career as a pipe maker in the 1970s, Randy Wiley was a key figure in the new wave of American artisans in the late-20th century pipe scene—and still is today, five decades later. Though he does make some “traditional” pieces, he is, arguably America’s greatest living carver of “freehand” pipes, comparable to Denmark’s Preben Holm or Erik Nording in their prime. And, like Holm and Nording, Wiley has an array of signature finishes at his disposal, resulting in designs that occasionally border on the figural.

Wiley’s Meteor finish, for example, is a deep, hand-carved relief that evokes the craggy surfaces of its cosmic namesake. Whether intentional or not, it is quite appropriate that in this instance Wiley’s signature finish has been paired with a fiery acrylic mouthpiece, appearing lit up like the searing dust trail that follows a meteor as it trails through the sky.

The condition is good. A couple of spots of charring on the rim.

Details:

Length: 6.83″ / 173.4mm

Chamber Width: 0.98″ / 24.89mm

Chamber Depth: 1.98″ / 50.29mm

Bowl Height: 2.25″ / 57.15mm

Weight: 2.8oz / 80g