Erik Nording Handmade Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

Nørding was founded by Erik Nørding in the 1960s, and is one of the oldest remaining companies to come out of the Scandinavian pipe-making renaissance that began in the mid-20th century. Now in his 80s, Erik Nørding is one of the most experienced and skilled pipe-makers in the world, and over the decades he has also been a teacher of other Danish masters, such as Poul Ilsted, Svend Axel Celius, Jens Tao Nielsen, Peder Jeppesen, and Søren Erik Andersen.

The Nørding company is now much bigger than it used to be, with many expert carvers employed making Nørding pipes and their various lines. As such, the only pipes carved exclusively by Erik Nørding today are the ‘Hand Made’ series. In the past, however, Erik had more time to carve other Nørding pipes himself. This is one example, as evinced by the nomenclature. Given that Erik is a big part of the reason that Danish freehands line this one became a thing, it’s nice – and not especially common – to find one of his own making. It’s expertly crafted, with a masterful eye for grain and for contrast staining. The shaping is also superb, resulting in something that looks almost like it was made from a material far more malleable than briar, such as clay. That’s why he’s one of the all-time greats, I guess.

The condition is excellent. The pipe doesn’t appear to have been smoked much at all – perhaps the previous owner just liked looking at it. I have some similar pipes myself. The top of the chamber is ever so slightly darkened, but that’s inevitable, even if you smoke a pipe just once. The pipe is essentially pristine, and shines almost as brightly as the day it was made (which was, presumably, many years ago).

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″

Bowl Width: 27.0mm

Bowl Depth: 1.9″

Weight: 3.1oz / 88g