Nathan Armentrout Sandblasted Shape 55 Handmade Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

Originally a science teacher in California, Nathan Armentrout began making pipes in 2009 and has since emerged as one of North America’s most talented, high-grade artisan pipe-makers. Inspired by Denmark’s legendary carvers, Nathan’s designs continue the legacy of the Danish pipe-making movement into the present day and expand that legacy through his own unique interpretations of the masters of old.

Since its creation in the 1950s by Carlo Scotti’s Castello, the “55” pot has become a rare example of an iconic and enduring, post-war pipe shape that did not come out of the Scandinavian tradition. In the years since, it has been reinterpreted by various makers, some in its native Italy, like Radice, and many others in the international artisan scene. Even Nathan Armentrout, whose bread and butter is the Danish-American style, has not been able to resist the shape’s allure. There are key differences in Armentrout’s rendition, however, as seen here. Instead of the pebble-dash Sea Rock rustication most popularly associated with the 55, Armentrout has opted for a light, Tanshell-like sandblast, complete with perfect, craggy ring grain. As with many non-Italian artisans, Armentrout has also paired the bowl with a hand cut cumberland ebonite stem, rather than Lucite.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, having come to us via our trade-in program from a collector of American high-grades. If you are interested in trading in or consigning pipes of your own, please get in touch.

 

Details:

Length: 4.5″ / 114.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.19″ / 30.22mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g