2001 Clarence Mickles Magnum Facet Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Clarence Mickles was a pipe-maker from Illinois, Chicago, and something of a legend within the North American pipe scene. Before making pipes, Mickles was an auto mechanic, which is one reason why he was affectionately known as the ‘Mechanic.’ The other reason is that he was a supremely gifted pipe repairman, in addition to being a respected carver of his own, hand made pipes. Mickles passed away in 2001, after a 30-year career as a pipe-maker, but the profound impact he had on the pipe community ensured that he has not been forgotten, especially by collectors.

Clarence Mickles’ 2001 output really does show that, right up until the end, he was carving high-grade after high-grade. When I first saw this one, I instinctively thought it might be something like a Radice Clear Collect grade, but I wasn’t surprised that it turned out to be Mickles instead. The pipe is a very large, fanning freehand, with excellent straight grain and a faceted shank that helps further distinguish it from the average Danish or American fancy.

The condition is great. Some inner rim darkening and minor handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 7.6″ / 193.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.98 / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 2.89″ / 73.40mm

Weight: 4.7oz / 134g