Smooth 24K Gilded Freehand (Phalanx) (Q) Tobacco Pipe

One of the most recognized and respected artisans in America, Todd Johnson is a foundational pioneer of the modern American pipe-making movement. Johnson began carving pipes in the spring of 2000, coming into the craft with a history of woodworking that afforded him a collection of useful tools and skills, though these skills were honed through teaching by fellow pipe makers, specifically Tom Eltang, who invited him to his workshop. Additional training at the hands of the legendary Lars Ivarsson provided Johnson with a powerful arsenal of knowledge and skill which he has used to create some of the most inventive and innovative pipes on the market, and has spread through teaching students of his own.

Todd Johnson crafts so many signature shapes that it's almost difficult to remember them all, though this alone means that a true Todd Johnson Freehand is extremely difficult to find, making this example a noteworthy one for collectors of his work. What's more, this pipe has been accented with 24 Karat gold leaf at the rim, an exceptionally rare accent from the American artisan. Of course, Johnson hasn't just covered the rim in gold, rather, he took the time to carve the bowl with a smattering of plateau across the rim's circumference and then delicately accented all of the negative space in between the plateau's craggy peaks with the precious metal. The attention to detail paid at the bowl's peak is truly impressive, and this precision extends to the rest of the pipe's build, with the rest of the bowl displaying a supple rounding throughout. A sweeping heel supports the walls of this bowl, pushing them into a degree of prominence as they flare upward, forming an Acorn-like dome near the top that's dipped at both the fore and aft for a unique look while maintaining plenty of curvature for comfort in the hand. A tight transition pairs the bowl to a curling shank that flares out to a broad face crowned with a more rugged wreath of plateau, stylistically mirroring the presence of the bowl while keeping the visual weight pushed toward the fore. An inlaid ring of brass makes for a sturdy push mount that pairs the shank to a sleek, demurely curved stem of black vulcanite, one complete with an expansion ring at the base that introduces some intriguing negative space just above the shank face. Dressed in one of Johnson's signature contrast stains, the stummel showcases dense flame grain through the flanks, while the underside reveals a basin of birdseye.