WO Larsen Partially Rusticated Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

WO Larsen was a historic tobacconist in Copenhagen Denmark. In the 1960s, when Danish-style pipes were becoming highly sought after, thanks to revolutionary pipe-makers such as Sixten Ivarsson, a workshop was set up on the Larsen premises to produce enough high-grade Danish pipes to meet demand. This workshop was staffed by the emerging masters of Danish pipe-making, such as Sven and Teddy Knudsen, Hans ‘Former’ Nielsen, Jess Chonowitsch, Poul Ilsted, and Benni Jorgensen.

Like the Italians and the Irish, the Danes had their own, distinct approach to rustication. Though I’m not sure of its precise origins, the type of fine, micro-rustication seen here was brought to prominence by Peter Brakner, through his own approach to high-grade handmade pipes. [What was originally named] WO Larsen’s Rustica line blended smooth and micro-rusticated finishes to great effect, often using the latter for “fumed” rims or, in this instance, the base of the pipe, affording better grip and a nice hand-feel. Often, this rustication had the effect of acting as a foil to the smooth sections of the pipe, making—for example—the flame grain of an oval shank brandy shine even brighter than it would normally.

The condition is good. Some darkening and general wear to the rim, and slight handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.29″ / 32.76mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g