Quinton Wells Smooth Cobra Handmade Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

Quinton Wells is an example of what I’d call a “pipe-maker’s pipe-maker.” He is an American artisan from Kansas City, having spent time learning the craft from other artisans such as fellow Americans Lee von Erck and Michael Lindner, as well as Tonni Nielsen. Wells’s pipes are highly regarded and have won several awards at major pipe carving competitions, but his other contributions to the wider pipe scene have involved a push, through the Greater Kansas City Pipe Club, to encourage and bring to attention the work of younger and newer artisans. These efforts have helped to promote of subsequently prominent, high-grade pipe-makers, such as Scottie Piersel.

I’m not entirely sure if Quinton Wells is still making pipes. Back 10 years ago his yearly production was so limited (1-2 pipes per year, if that) that he was mistakenly classified as “retired” on Pipedia. Having this come come across my desk was a genuine treat. There is more than a little of a Danish influence in it, with resemblances to some of Tonni Nielsen’s pipes (understandably), as well as those of other W.O. Larsen alum, such as Lasse Skovgaard. It’s one thing to be inspired, or influenced, however, and it’s another to do that influence justice. I’d say this one does the latter more than admirably.

Needless to say, this is the first Quinton Wells I’ve handled that was unsmoked. It may well be the first one I’ve seen that was unsmoked, too.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 1.10 / 27.94mm

Bowl Depth: 1.72″ / 43.68mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g