Willmer Straight Grain AAA Extra Large Smooth Cup and Saucer (Estate)

H. Willmer and Sons was an English pipe workshop founded at some point in the mid-20th century and closed in the mid-2000s. Harold Willmer himself was the brother of Dan Tennyson, one of Charatan’s freehand carvers, and would, according to Ken Barnes, often buy bowls from Charatan’s freehand workshop, which would be subsequently finished by Willmer’s craftsmen. In addition to these pipes, Willmer also manufactured more traditional briars, which were also made by hand.

As with another Willmer that came in recently, there is a definite Charatan connection with this one. Whether it was an homage (which would be far from unusual) or it was carved at Charatan is difficult to say, but it is certainly one thing: a “Cup and Saucer.” The shape is a bona fide classic within the English freehand tradition, and was the very first freehand to be turned at F. Charatan and Son, by a young Barry Jones. Essentially a full bent shape with a portion of the lower bowl removed, it gives the appearance of being comprised of two parts with one perched atop the other, hence the name. This one is a strikingly well grained rendition, earning a triple-A grade within Willmer’s scheme, comparable to something like Charatan’s Selected.

The condition is very good. Chamber slightly over-reamed at the top lip and some slight scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 2.19″ / 55.62mm

Weight: 2.6oz / 74g