S. Bang Kobenhavn Gr 9 Smooth Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates, 9mm

Description

Originally founded in 1968 by Svend Bang, a former store manager at Denmark’s legendary W.Ø. Larsen, S. Bang would go on to become a legend in its own right, one that would rival even Larsen in fame and acclaim. While Svend himself was not a pipe-maker, he was able to enlist some of the most talented pipe-makers in Denmark to create the S. Bang pipes. In the early days, this included figures such as Ph. Vigen, but it is two makers in particular who would become synonymous with the S. Bang name: Per Hansen and Ulf Noltensmeier. Per and Ulf joined the S. Bang workshop in the early 1970s, and in 1984, when Svend Bang himself retired, Per and Ulf formally took over S. Bang. Per and Ulf’s creations were as admired and coveted as their Danish contemporaries, such as Jess Chonowitsch, Tom Eltang, and Hans ‘Former’ Nielsen. Per and Ulf retired and dissolved S. Bang in 2019, much to the disappointment of pipe smokers and collectors across the world. 

The grade “9” was the highest of Per & Ulf’s numbered grades, above which one would find the even rarer lettered grades, running from “A” to the mythically uncommon “D.” Now, if this was an ordinary pipe make, grade 9s would seem on the upper bands of average. But, of course, S. Bang was far from ordinary, with even a grade “5” outclassing 99% of other pipe makes on their very best days. This particular S. Bang is a very beautiful brandy, complete with the signature plumpness (though, in this instance, quite subtle) of Danish renditions, allowing the briar’s flame grain to leap out even further than it normally would.

The condition is good. Some finish fading on the rim and a slight spot of charring at the front lip of the chamber, along with a few small dings in the bowl, but nothing major. The pipe is chambered to accommodate 9mm filters, but should fit an adapter of some variety if non-filtered use is preferred. If you are interested in the pipe and prefer non-filtered use, let us know and we’ll see if we can add in an adapter free of charge (subject to stock availability, of course).

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.82″ / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.62″ / 41.14mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g