Bjarne Nielsen Signature (Vigen) Panel Dublin Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Bjarne Nielsen was one of the towering figures of Danish pipe-making until his passing in 2008. As the founder of Bjarne, Nielsen employed talented pipe-makers from Denmark to produce distinctly Danish pipes and sold them to a devoted international audience. Among those in his employ were figures such as Mogens Johansen (also known as Johs), Ph. Vigen, Ole Bandholm and Tonni Nielsen. Though Bjarne pipes are no longer manufactured, they are still in good demand by those who enjoy well-made pipes in the tradition of Danish design.

One common mistake I’ve noticed among Danish pipe enthusiasts and sellers is confusing Bjarne pipes for Bjarne Nielsen pipes. But this confusion is understandable. Bjarne pipes were divided into two main categories: the workshop’s standard output, stamped “BJARNE,” and the workshop’s higher-end output, stamped “Bjarne Nielsen.” All of them were Bjarne pipes; all of them were made under the direction of Bjarne Nielsen himself; and all of them were excellent Danish pipes. But Bjarne Nielsen pipes were a little more special (and expensive) and were typically made by Tonni Nielsen (no relation), Ole Bandholm, or Jes Phillip Vigen Gertsen. This particular Bjarne will have been made by Gertsen, known professionally as Ph. Vigen, a relatively mysterious figure within Danish pipe-making, but whose distinct style is nonetheless very much recognizable. It is also a style that has garnered significant attention and acclaim from collectors. Vigen stopped making pipes in 2008, when Bjarne Nielsen died and Bjarne subsequently closed, making the pipes of everyone involved even more coveted.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening. This pipe comes with its original box and sleeve.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.14″ / 28.95mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g