Tom Eltang & Hans Former Nielsen Pipes & Tobaccos Magazine 2004 Pipe of the Year Rusticated Egg Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

What’s better than a pipe made by a legendary Danish artisan? A pipe made by two legendary Danish artisans. Since the early 2000s, Tom Eltang and Hans “Former” Nielsen have joined forces a few times to craft high-grade briars together. “Nimbus” was one such project, as was the “House Pipe” the pair made for Bisgaard Piber in Denmark. In 2004, the two even joined forces to make a Pipe of the Year for the now defunct Pipes & Tobaccos Magazine, which, during its lifetime, commissioned annual, limited edition pipes for its readers. Over the years, this included pipes from the likes of Todd Johnson and Bruce Weaver, J. Alan, Vollmer & Nilsson, Peterson, and Stanwell, and J.T. Cooke.

The 2004 edition was, as seen here, a fittingly Danish egg rendition, a shape that both Eltang and Former have had plenty of experience with over the years. The pipe was available in a number of finishes, with this particular example being the most “Eltang” of the bunch. Frequently seen on his signature poker designs, Eltang’s approach to rustication is a core part of his identity and style as a pipe maker. As seen on this this P&T PotY, Eltang hand-carves deep, stony reliefs into his bowls, alternating between fluid grooves and sharp points. Yet despite how densely textured this approach to finishing is, it never erases the underlying shape, owing to the high-level of precision in Eltang’s technique.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It comes with its original leather sleeve.

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.81″ / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.55″ / 39.37mm

Weight: 2.0oz / 58g