Randy Wiley 1988 The Conch Spiral Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Beginning his career as a pipe-maker in the 1970s, Randy Wiley was a key figure in the new wave of American artisans in the late-20th century pipe scene – and still is today, nearly 50 years later. Wiley’s pipes might be characterized as American freehand in style; though he has occasionally made more traditional pieces, his work is typically freeform, often employing different types of hand-rustication for his various finishes. The average Wiley is large, rugged, and a reliable smoker, each having been oil cured by Wiley in advance of its by-hand manufacture.

“The Conch” was a series of freehand pipes Randy Wiley made many decades ago, with each pipe showing off impressive spiral carvings (a conch is another word for a sea snail, hence the name). Even more impressive is the way Wiley managed to work these spiral patterns over and under the straight grain of the briar itself, creating a beautiful layered effect.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening, and one or two small sandpits in the briar.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.89 / 22.60mm

Bowl Depth: 1.89″ / 48.00mm

Weight: 2.7oz / 78g