Sandblasted Bent Bulldog with Ivorite (1763) Tobacco Pipe

If you're looking for a finely wrought artisan rendition of the Bulldog shape, it's time to tune in, as this pipe from Jeff Gracik of J. Alan pipes is a rare offering. Jeff has gained worldwide renown for his fine pipes, with all of his creative and well-executed designs in demand by discerning collectors the world over, and this is only the third Bulldog we've received from the American artisan. If you are a fan of Gracik's work (you should be), and hoping to score a bent Bulldog, now is the time.

Whether a shape he makes once a week or once a decade, Jeff's ability to produce it with delightful precision is unquestionable. Here we see a conical upper bowl portion, widening to meet a crisp waistline with the shape's characteristic twin beadlines subtly included under the sandblast. Below the waist, the bowl displays a sweeping curve all around the fore of the rounded heel and up the shank, ridgelines gradually materializing from the bowl's sides as if by magic to transition into the diamond shank characteristic of the classic shape. A dark red, almost black stain dresses the stummel, unifying aesthetically with one of Jeff's excellent hand-cut vulcanite saddle stems. A thin accent of pale Ivorite provides contrast at the stem base, putting the final touch on this ruggedly elegant piece. With exemplary fit and finish, impeccable line work, and a rare shape, this pipe will elevate any rotation.