GHK (Gilbert Henry Krisor) Smooth Volcano Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Gilbert Henry Krisor, who made pipes under the GHK moniker, was an American artisan based in California. Though Krisor began making pipes only after his retirement, Krisor’s pipes would ultimately achieve significant acclaim and would even feature in the personal collections of celebrity pipe-smokers, such as Jack Lemmon and Anwar Sadat. Krisor passed away in 1984.

I was very curious about this pipe after it landed on my desk. At first I thought it might be one of the “Traditional” series Preben Holm pipes, or perhaps one of the German artisans, such as Klaus Hahn. But no, it’s a GHK by Gilbert Henry Krisor, made during America’s first golden age in freehand carving, by a man whose pipes were once so renowned that they were smoked by the celebrities of his time (whatever you think of Anwar Sadat, for example, the man did have excellent taste in pipes). I can see why they were so desired, too. This one is a paneled, volcano-type shape whose bowl has been carved from briar positioned “upside down” so that its straight grain patterns flare downward, following the curvature of the bowl itself. Intelligent and well executed—I’ve no doubt this one will soon find a happy home.

The condition is great. Some darkening and minor wear to the rim, but nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.81″ / 45.97mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 62g