Smooth Bent Brandy with Boxwood (Viking) Tobacco Pipe

With the exception of a small handful of pieces, including another bent Brandy, a few Volcanoes, and one very unique Cavalier shape, the vast majority of Viking-grade Tonni Nielsen briars we've received have all been some form of Dublin variant. Which isn't really saying that much; of the over 270 pieces we've received from the carver, only a little over thirty have been deemed worthy of his most prestigious grade. I'd say this one certainly is, as it presents a dramatic display of flame grain erupting up the flanks of the plump, somewhat floral bowl, coupled with a vast, brilliant presentation of birdseye at the underside. As for the form itself, the transition is neat and well-defined, offering a substantial, pleasing feel in hand, while the curled shank makes for an excellent match for crooking the index finger over. Splendid work from Tonni Nielsen.

- Daniel Bumgardner