2001 Clarence Mickles Freehand Horn Handmade Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

Now, this is something I’d call it bittersweet. After all, as Clarence Mickles passed in 2001, and as this pipe was made in 2001, it must be one of the very last he ever made. It’s a beautiful pipe – and a fitting swansong – it’s just sad to think that, within months or weeks of its creation, he was gone. I guess that’s just the way it works sometimes. Anyway, as said, it’ a beautiful pipe. The Danish influence on this one is strong, being a sweeping horn design with bare plateau left on its underside, sort of like Karl Erik and Preben Holm used to make, but with a bit more good old American heft.

This Mickles is also completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. There are a few scratches on the stummel, but they’re small and superficial, more like handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.75 / 19.05mm

Bowl Depth: 2.02″ / 51.30mm

Weight: 3.3oz / 96g