Sven Knudsen, Handicraft of Copenhagen, Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates [SOLD OUT]

Description

This pipe requires a little explanation. ‘Handicraft of Copenhagen’ is a make that has been associated with two sets of owners in the history of Danish pipes. On the one hand, Handicraft of Copenhagen is thought to have been a make run by Danish pipe dealer Remo Sørensen, who also established the Mr Andersen make. On the other, Handicraft of Copenhagen was a make ran by Sven Knudsen and Teddy Knudsen for a short period in the early 1970s. In both instances, the stamping of ‘Handicraft of Copenhagen’ was exactly the same, but the Knudsen brothers’ make was also stamped and known as ‘Dantonian.’

The stamping on this pipe is a little faded, but the ‘Handicraft of Copenhagen’ nomenclature is clear to see. Whether or not this stamping also originally included ‘Dantonian’ above the Copenhagen nomenclature is hard to say. Thankfully, identifying the maker of this pipe was easier. I’d had a hunch just by looking at the shape of the pipe that it might be a Sven Knudsen, as I’m a huge fan of W.O. Larsen pipes. So, I called up my contacts in Copenhagen, who are closer to and more knowledgeable about Danish pipe history than I am, and they all confirmed that this was indeed a Sven Knudsen pipe, one probably made for Sørensen in the early 1960s.

Aside from the weak nomenclature, the condition is remarkably good for such an old pipe. There’s a tiny bit of inner rim darkening and some minor handling marks, but the sheen of the beautiful straight grain briar has been preserved wonderfully. A very special pipe that I very nearly kept for myself. To the buyer – count yourself lucky this time.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″

Bowl Width: 22.3mm

Bowl Depth: 1.9″

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g