Will Purdy (A) 2005 Smooth Pickaxe Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Hailing from a family of pipe smokers, American artisan Will Purdy took up the pipe as soon as he graduated from high school. A few decades later, around the turn of the millennium, he began to make his own pipes as well. By 2004, and after building up his workshop and developing his skills, Purdy was exhibiting his pipes at various shows, where they were well received. Purdy attracted a long list of admirers of his work, including GL Pease and Bear Graves, and his pipes have been in high demand ever since.

As far as I’m aware, Will Purdy has retired from pipe-making (please correct me if I’m wrong), and this, coupled with his relatively limited production when he was active, has contributed to a significant demand for his work. Looking at this pickaxe, I can certainly understand that—heck, I could understand it if he was making 1000 pipes a year. It’s a beautiful piece, with a pronounced affinity with some of the great Danish freehand carvers, though it’s closer to, say, Preben Holm’s Traditional series pipes, than the unfettered bombast of the Danish fancy. The straight grain is remarkable, as is the bird’s-eye that adorns the pipe’s rim, but what really sets it off is the stain used, which is reminiscent both of the old Charatan Distinction line and the Golden Contrast finish pioneered by Tom Eltang. The pipe received an A-grade, one of Purdy’s highest, and I’d say it was well-deserved.

The condition is great. Some inner rim darkening but it’s clear the pipe was well looked after.

 

Details: 

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.46″ / 37.08mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g