Sam Martin Christmas 1991 Carved Liverpool Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Sam Martin was an American artisan pipe maker from Arkansas and one of the many talented individuals who took part in the US freehand movement in the second half of the 20th century. But Martin was also someone whose design philosophy was quite different to that of his contemporaries. While Martin crafted pipes in various different styles, he is perhaps best known for incorporating figural elements into these pipes, in a manner closest to early briar carvers in the 19th century. This pipe, for example, was made for Christmas in 1991, and along with its stony rusticated finish, it also features the figure of a nicely festive sprig of holly etched by Martin into the bowl’s fore. On the other hand, while the pipe has its ornate elements, it is by no means dainty, as 19th century briars were. In fact, it’s a decidedly hefty Liverpool, with a large bowl and similarly large chamber. As Martin sadly passed away in 1992, I think this might be from the last batch of Christmas pipes he made. Shame, as he had a real talent for them.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim charring and minor handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.92″ / 48.76mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 62g