1999 Clarence Mickles Large Rusticated Billiard 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.

While commonly associated with the great Italian makes, like Becker, Castello, or Radice, granular, pebble-dash rustication styles would come to feature prominently in the work of american artisans. Carvers including Mike Butera, Michael Frey, and Steve Weiner have all given the Italians a run for their money with their own interpretations of such finishes – as did Clarence Mickles. Like many of Mickles’ more traditionally-inclined works, this one is an extra large billiard – including an over two inch deep chamber – dressed in a finish and stain reminiscent of a sand dune at dusk.

The condition is excellent. Some inner rim darkening, but nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 2.12″ / 53.84mm

Weight: 2.9oz / 84g