David Wagner Baff “Caveman” Cavalier Estate Briar Pipe, Austrian Estates

Description

While Austria may not have the same number of pipe makers as its neighbouring Germany, the ones it does have tend to be highly talented and highly idiosyncratic. Austria is, after all, the land of Peter Matzhold, Josef Prammer, and Klaus Zenz. And, of course, it was also the land of David Wagner Baff, who sadly passed away in 2021. A student of Rainer Barbi and the aforementioned Prammer, Baff’s designs were very unique, as seen in this pipe, which is one of his signature shapes. Dubbed the “Caveman,” it is a cavalier style pipe, but one that utilizes not only briar for its bowl and cumberland ebonite for its stem, but also a large piece of what looks to be horn for its body. To further its rugged, prehistoric aesthetic, both the bowl and the horn body have been rusticated for a weathered effect.

The condition is good. Some wear to the rim. I did wonder if the horn body had splintered a little over time, but from the original sales photo of this one that happens to be on Pipedia, that would seem to have been deliberately applied during construction.

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.08″ / 27.43mm

Weight: 3.1oz / 90g