Karl Erik Ekstravagant Sandblasted Cobra Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Karl Erik was a Danish pipe-maker, and one of the originators of the Danish style of pipe-making that swept the world in the 20th century. He was a prolific carver and many who apprenticed in his workshop went on to become iconic pipe-makers in their own right, such as Peder Jeppesen and Bent Nielsen (Benner). Erik was also what might be called a pipe-maker’s pipe-maker, one admired not only by Danish pipe enthusiasts, but by other legends in his contemporary scene – so much so that, when Erik sadly passed in 2004, Tom Eltang bought Erik’s lathe to use in his own workshop.

What’s sometimes forgotten when it comes to the great Danish artisans is that these were often individuals who both made pipes and taught newer generations of pipe-makers through a workshop model. In other words, just like WO Larsen, Pibe Dan, or Bjarne, there was a Karl Erik workshop,  a Nording workshop, a Preben Holm workshop, and so on, and Karl Erik, Nording, and Preben Holm pipes were made together by the respective master and their talented apprentices. A question naturally arises, however, of “Just who made my pipe?” And usually the only answer that can be given is “The master and their apprentices”, with no specificity as to which of these individuals put in most or all of the work. But there are exceptions. Often, these master-apprentice workshops did often use stamps or grades to indicate certain pipes that were not only high grade and exemplary of the make, but which had also been carved solely by the master from beginning to end. Preben Holm, for example, had grades such as the “Private Collection,” and Karl Erik had the “Ekstravagant.” This is one of the latter: it is solely of Erik’s making and it is top-of-the-line as far as Karl Erik pipes go. I would call it a cobra shape, especially as it has a curious, snaking asymmetry to it, in addition to the shape’s hallmark “strike position,” which Erik has pulled off masterfully. As is sometimes the case with Erik’s Ekstravagant grade pipes, this one features an extra layer of ornamentation in the form of a ferrule that I think is either olive wood or zebra wood. It looks great either way.

-J.M.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and some very minor finish fading.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.90mm

Bowl Depth: 1.63″ / 41.40mm

Weight: 2.6oz / 74g