Larry Roush 2006 S2 Sandblasted Poker Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Larry Roush is an American artisan, one whose work has led him to be one of the most esteemed and in-demand figures in the contemporary handmades scene. Though he is a former student of Mike Butera, who he would later collaborate with from time to time, Roush’s style is wholly his own. Already in 2004, for example, Belgian pipe historian and critic Erwin van Hove remarked that “Roush’s work presents the quality that few pipe artisans can lay claim to: while staying within the bounds of contemporary classicism, his style can be recognized from across the room, offering a perfect balance between virility and elegance.”

This particular Roush, from 2006, would seem to fit that description to a tee. At its base it is very traditional, but it is endowed with such an overwhelming stoutness that it sits on the borderline of something completely novel. Adding to this imposing figure is one of Roush’s signature, red-brown contrast sandblasts, which is positively alive with alternating depths and hues. The pipe also features a hand cut cumberland stem and a sterling silver collar turned and engraved by Roush himself.

The condition is fair. There’s some darkening and finish fading on the rim, along with a general darkening of the exterior from handling marks and from the pipe being smoked quite vigorously. The chamber is sound, however. I’ve adjusted the price to reflect this.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.86 / 21.84mm

Bowl Depth: 1.69″ / 42.92mm

Weight: 2.0oz / 58g