Manuel Shaabi Smooth Rhodesian Estate Briar Pipe, 9mm, German Estates

Description

Manuel Shaabi was born in Lebanon, where he trained and worked as a sculptor and cabinet maker. In the 1970s, however, Shaabi had to flee Germany due to the Lebanese Civil War. In Germany, Shabbi re-trained as a cabinet maker, graduating with such high acclaim that he was immediately hired as an instructor to teach the course that he had just completed. In search of a new challenge, Shaabi later went to work at Dan Pipe, one of Germany’s historic pipe houses, where he learned to repair, then to make tobacco pipes. Shaabi went on to become one of Germany’s most celebrated and unique pipe-makers, before health problems compelled him to retire in 2007.

I was very sad to hear about Manuel Shaabi’s retirement, as those who are familiar with his pipes will know that he had such a distinct approach to the craft. This particular Shaabi shows off the very German quality of many of his pipes, being a simultaneously stout and plump work, as well as a highly unorthodox rendition of the classical Rhodesian. This allows the briar’s natural flame grain to really pop out at you, cutting an enjoyably assertive figure all the while.

The condition is great. Just a couple of small scratches on the bowl. The pipe is chambered for 9mm filters as standard, but should accommodate an adapter of some variety if the next owner prefers unfiltered smoking.

 

Details:

Length: 5.3″ / 134.6mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.72″ / 43.68mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g