Randy Wiley Unique Smooth 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.

I always thought “Unique” was an odd name for a line of Randy Wiley pipes, as all of his pipes are unique, given that he is one of America’s undisputed master freehand carvers. What I will say is that this Unique has distinctly excellent grain, so perhaps the language of exclusivity is warranted after all.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening, nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 6.6″ / 167.6mm

Bowl Width: 1.11 / 28.19mm

Bowl Depth: 1.49″ / 37.84mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g