Unsmoked Clarence Mickles Rusticated Panel Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

Clarence Mickles was a pipe-maker from Illinois, Chicago, and something of a legend within the North American pipe scene. Before making pipes, Mickles was an auto mechanic, which is one reason why he was affectionately known as the ‘Mechanic.’ The other reason is that he was a supremely gifted pipe repairman, in addition to being a respected carver of his own, hand made pipes. Mickles passed away in 2001, after a 30-year career as a pipe-maker, but the profound impact he had on the pipe community ensured that he has not been forgotten, especially by collectors.

I’m always intrigued to see what kinds of pipes from the earlier days of the American artisan scene end up on my bench. Though it is not nearly as well documented as in later decades, American pipe-making before the turn of the millennium was a fascinating culture of stylistic and technical exploration, with many approaches having been lost due to the demand for the kinds of pipes that are popular today. This Mickles is an example of that sort of thing; it’s a rugged, rusticated, bent apple-like shape, but the bowl exterior has been paneled, giving it a unique appearance and feel. The craggy, black rustication works well with the smooth polished red rim, just as it does with the hand cut, yellow lucite stem. It’s closer to Italy than Denmark as far as precursors go, but I’d be more comfortable calling this an American pipe than either.

Somehow, this pipe has remained unsmoked and as pristine as the day it was made. But, then again, Mickles pipes were adored by collectors, who tend to take good care of their treasures.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″

Bowl Width: 21.5mm

Bowl Depth: 1.9″

Weight: 2.1oz / 61g