Nording Handmade Grade 14 Smooth Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Nørding was founded by Erik Nørding in the 1960s, and is one of the oldest remaining companies to come out of the Scandinavian pipe-making renaissance that began in the mid-20th century. Now in his 80s, Erik Nørding is one of the most experienced and skilled pipe-makers in the world, and over the decades he has also been a teacher of other Danish masters, such as Poul Ilsted, Svend Axel Celius, Jens Tao Nielsen, Peder Jeppesen, and Søren Erik Andersen.

While Erik Nording has many apprentices working with him at the Nording workshop, the make’s Handmade series is one of high-grade in the Danish style, made solely by Erik. As a result, each pipe is different to the next, whether in shape, finish, or ornamentation  (though the high quality of craftsmanship remains consistent throughout). With that said, this one is even more unique than most other Handmade pipes I’ve seen. Part of that is because, unlike many pipes carved freehand, as this one was, the plateau end of the briar block used has been oriented toward the pipe’s base, giving the appearance of a burst seam or an irruption of nature in what is otherwise a very precisely carved Danish brandy shape. It provides a great contrast both with the aforementioned shape, and with the uniformity of the straight grain patterns that line the bowl and proceed right up to the end of the shank.

The condition is reasonable. The pipe’s exterior is for the most part pristine, save for one dark spot on the topside of the shank near its intersection with the bowl (pictured). There is also some charring around the airway at the bottom of the chamber. This leads me to believe the pipe was smoked slightly too hot, with the darkening being a result. The pipe has been professionally refurbished, however, with an inner tube added to the draft hole for extra protection. While the pipe is nonetheless a Danish high-grade, its price has been adjusted accordingly.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.54″ / 39.11mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g