Pipes & Tobaccos Magazine, with a run from 1996-2019 (I think that’s right) was, unarguably (inarguably?) the best publication this country has produced for pipe aficionados. In looking up this pipe I had occasion to browse through my P&T collection (somewhere along the line I think I missed one or two issues…don’t know how that happened) and the line-up of writers and informational articles is absolutely stellar. For instance, in the Spring 2005 issue, you have, back-to-back articles by David Field on dating Dunhills (perhaps the first authority on Dunhill pipes among we hobbyists) and one on Dunhill pipes in general by Richard Esserman, a long time researcher of Dunhill pipes. It feels as though I could re-read each issue and come away newly informed about pipes and pipe makers. Plus, each issue brought an opening editorial by the truly inimitable, unmatchable Dr. Chuck Stanion, who always elicited multiple laughs. Anyone can write a fabulous, complex, profound, deeply moving, evocative novel, but hardly anyone can make you laugh, and Chuck could do it as though on command.
On the other hand, we must face one incontestable fact…I started in this business before Pipes & Tobaccos magazine was a glint in its daddy’s (Dayton Matlick’s) eyes and I am here after they are gone. I apologize for not being able to write as well as Stanion, but then, nobody else in this hobby can, either.
To the pipe at hand…it’s here on the Danish page because it was made by Former (Hans Nielsen) and Tom Eltang. How can that combo be matched, let alone exceeded? Plus, this one is new, tht is, unsmoked. The sandblast here reveals truly marvelous tight ring grain. The draw is wide-open, the size is Grp. 5 and the stem material is acrylic. This piece is stamped #148 of 250 made. The band has the year stamped on it. It also has the initials of the collarborator on it, Tom & Former. Yet, I have no idea how to price it. Well, when ignorant, price it low & take the money and run. New.
5.55” long, bowl 2” tall. Weight: 2 oz., 55 grams.