1987 Mike Butera K8 Rusticated Classic Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked [SOLD OUT]

Description

It is safe to say that Mike Butera is one of the most important figures in American pipe-making, or even in pipe-making, period. Butera emerged during the 1970s and 80s as a major figure in the new American artisan scene, having honed his craft in no small part due to his travels across Europe to meet with the 20th century masters, such as Italy’s Baldo Baldi and Carlo Scotti. Upon returning, Butera also provided training for up and coming pipe-makers such as Michael Frey, Steve Weiner, Larry Roush and Premal Chheda. Thanks to his perfectionist approach and the teaching he provided to to today’s most accomplished American artisans, Butera is referred to as America’s greatest pipe-makers.

In 2017, Mike Butera’s workshop was destroyed during flooding in his native Houston, Texas. This was, understandably, a tragedy, both for Butera and for those who treasure his pipes. This, coupled with Butera’s limited yearly production, makes his pipes extremely scarce. Personally, I really hope that Butera manages to find a way back into the craft soon, as his legendary status in the pipe community was absolutely deserved. In the meantime, if you’re looking for one of his masterful works, this pipe might just be for you.

This pipe, from 1987, came to us completely unsmoked. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It is a classic Butera: a very large pipe, blending shaping and finishing influences from Denmark and Italy, whose proportions and drilling are impeccable. To me, the slightly conical, stacked bowl is a little reminiscent of Denmark’s Pipe-Dan, but the overall lumberman-style shape, as well as the tight, consistent rustication, evokes Carlo Scotti’s famous ‘Sea Rock’ line for Castello. I’m very tempted to keep this one, so if this listing disappears suddenly, you’ll know why…

 

Details:

Length: 7″

Bowl Width: 24.7mm

Bowl Depth: 2.75″

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g