Smooth Shield with Horn (Snail) Tobacco Pipe

The Shield shape is a specific Freehand design that's similar to the Sphinx, in that the round bowl is marked by ridgelines encircling the flanks to divide fore from aft. This particular rendition from Tom Eltang takes creative liberties with the unique design, orienting the ridgeline primarily at the upper front side of the bowl and creating a protruding lip that dissipates as it cuts through the sides. Upon closer examination, though, Tom's craftsmanship is witnessed in that the ridgeline doesn't come to a point but, rather, boasts a very, very trim panel across the top. Such a cue adds a subtle sense of structure to the piece, contrasting the otherwise plump curvature of the bowl and sinuous S-curve behind. Practically speaking, the positioning of the bowl's hard line also contributes to the piece's in-hand comfortability — a forefinger naturally resting over top when held. Stunning grain orientation commends the stummel, with birdseye dominating the fore and bands of cross grain sweeping down the flanks, and it's earned Eltang's prestigious Snail grade as a result, the red-tinged contrast stain complemented by a generous mount of horn.