danish

Larsen 10 #372276

Just under the vaunted Pearl, this beauty with the scalloped rim
is unsmoked and represents a great value. A beautiful pipe.
6" long, bowl 2" high. Weight: 2 oz., 55 grams. New. Price. $780

Tonni Nielsen #1304626

It's possible that nobody does a briar Calabash like Tonni.
When I saw this at Chicago last year on Tonni's table, I had no
illusions about it selling quickly at the price it commands, but
neither could I let it go to another buyer. The briar cap (stained
a contrasting color to the briar 'gourd') does come out, as
would a meerschaum cup. However, it is not held in place by
cork, but rather by Tonni's marvelous machining. Price: $1750
5.6" long, bowl 2.75" high. Weight: 2 7/8 oz., 80 grams. New

Kai Nielsen #12151510

As pretty as this pipe is, it must be mentioned that it may be a
bit small for some of you, although I am finding that small pipes
are quite popular, no doubt because of the limited amount of
time available for smoking. It's certainly not tiny and the sort of
Cognac shaped bowl should provide good tobacco capacity.
The stem is a brindle. I will mention the two sand pits facing the
smoker, and thus not visible in the photos which just show the
sides of the bowl. These are not fills and just look like a dark
spot unless a magnifying glass is taken to them, but you should
be informed, and now you are. The pipe is Unsmoked.
4.9" long, bowl 1.78" high. Weight:1 5/8 oz., 46 grams. $295

Pulvers' Prior Briar
P.O. Box 61146
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Phone/Fax:
(650) 965-7403
Email:
mpulvers@aol.com

Pipe
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Peter Heeschen #1225066WCPS

A tribute to the charm of the West Coast Pipe Show is this pipe
that Peter Heeschen donated to raise money for the show so
that it may continue. He was at the show this past year, and as
with everybody who goes, they want to be able to come back.
Rather than auction it off and raise the price, I'll just put it at the
suggested retail at which Peter would sell it.

5" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. Price: $485.

Bjarne Nielsen Signature Panel Grade C #98717

Another beautiful Panel from the Bjarne Nielsen signature
collection, which means it has a hand cut stem, in this case
from Brindle colored vulcanite, and was made by one of the
carvers that make Bjarne's top end pipes. One negative
aspect of this pipe is that it doesn't sit on the flat bottom, but
rather needs to lean back onto the stem to remain upright. Not
a big issue, but it's my contention that a flat bowl bottom should
designate a pipe that sits up on that bottom. New. Price:$245

5.5" long, bowl 2 1/8" high. Weight: 1.75 oz., 52 grams.

Emil Chonowitsch #9130021EG

There is something very atavistic about this pipe, and while I
can talk about it, I'm not sure I can pinpoint it for someone else,
but I'll try. Despite their flare for design and style innovation,
the Danes got into pipe making hoping to duplicate what they
liked about English pipes. That is why Poul Nielsen took an
English sounding name to introduce his line of pipes (birch
wood and whatever else he could cop from the Danish forests
because briar was unavailable) during WWII. The pipe above,
by Emil Chonowitsch, looks like the standard English Bulldog,
but with a flair that the English never managed to incorporate
into their pipes. It was from models like this that provided the
launching pad for the more flamboyant Danish shapes.
5.15" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. Price: $395

Emil Chonowitsch 372174PN

In one of my first exposures to the high grade Danish makers,
Emil Chonowitsch was pointed out, with the caveat by my host
that his son (this was about 1985) was going to become the
more important pipe maker. That has turned out to be the
truth, but it doesn't diminish the worth of Papa Emil. this is not
a particularly beautifully grained pipe, but its appeal is in the
shape and feel. It is also in excellent condition, as are all the
pipes from the "PN" collection. Used. Price: $650
5 5/8" long, bowl 1.6" high. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 45 grams.

Svend Bang by Ulf Noltensmeier 31225096RS (SOLD 1/23)

If the grain and shape on this pipe, made in 2005, look
magnificent, that is not surprising because it comes from one of
the pickiest, hardest to please collectors I know. this pipe is in
excellent condition with an open draw. It is large and heavy, so
don't expect to hold it in your mouth. A great specimen.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 3 7/8 oz. 111 grams. $1250.

Jorgen L Grade B #530154SR

This is Jorgen's 2nd highest grade (#1 being, obviously, "A").
The grain does not fall off in the front or back as so many
straight grains do. This is simply the shape of a smoking pipe.
It's new and the draw is wide-open. And there won't be more.
5.8" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. Price: $1070.

Tom Eltang #1225173 (RESERVED)

Just another example of why at least one exceptional Danish
pipe maker considers Tom Eltang to be number one. I say "just
another example," because almost everything he turns out is
an example of his overall skill. About a Grp. 4.5 in bowl size,
although Dunhill gives an ODA to long shanks.
5.95" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1 oz., 29 grams. Price: $980.

Red Hat 1225134

For those of you (and I'm certain your number is legion) who
have been waiting for a good Horn, at a good price, that won't
put hot embers on your slacks, I have traveled the earth to find
this pipe. OK, so it sort of came to me at our Las Vegas show
this past Nov., but the end result is the same. New and with an
uncoated bowl and an open draw.
5.4" long. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 47 grams. Price: $500.

Sven Bang Grade 9 by Per Hansen #1122219SJ

A snaky looking pipe, in that it reminds me of a Cobra head.
Awfully comfortable to hold with the thumb under the stem/shank
intersection and the forefinger curving over the shank. It is in
exc. cond., the draw wide-open and the stem flat and comfy.
Grp. 5 in size. 5.35" long. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams.

Vollmer & Nilsson #5225331

A little "Stubby" as I would term it, but not too stubby, with what
seems to me like a perfect balance in the thickness of the bowl
walls and the size of the tobacco chamber. What somewhat
surprises me is that when I am picking these pipes off the
seller's table, none of this is going through my brain, believe
me. I just do not think that quickly. I choose what appeals to
me based on minimal scrutiny. Plus, I think I have a mild case
of ADD and do not like to pick up and examine and measure,
etc. I am the Stephen Hawking of pipes...I see the big picture. I
let others do the menial labor, like weighing and measuring and
drilling, etc. So, when I get pipes home and have to write them
up, sometimes I am disappointed. Rarely, if ever, with Vollmer
and Nilsson pipes. As in this case, I am always gladdened
because I find so many things about their pipes that I like, and I
get to feel smart for a few minutes, until I realize that really, I am
still stupid, but still, and this is most important, very lucky.
4.5" long, bowl 1.65" high. Weight: 1.5 oz., 47 grams. $325

Jess Chonowitsch #1122209SJ (SOLD)

One of the rarer, more desirable birds out there, an unsmoked
Jess Chonowitsch. This one has a wide-opem draw, is of a legit
Group 5 in size and has the elan you would expect from Jess.
5.5" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $3250.

Peter Heding #1225126 (SOLD 1/20/12)

A lot of work and time went into this pipe, and none of it in vain,
as far as I can tell. Look at the tight little rustication or the trim
between the chamber and the outside of the bowl rim. the draw
is wide open and the drilling is right on the bottom of the bowl. I
don't believe in perfect, but I don't see how that draft hole could
be improved upon. About a Grp. 5 in size.
5.4" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 61 grams. $595.

Chonowitsch #480177MB (SOLD 1/26/12)

As this does not say "Jess Chonowitsch" I'm going to assume
it's an Emil, but I can tell you, it exhibits some of the style that
Jess emulated when he came into his own. There's a reason a
Billiard is the most popular pipe in the world...it smokes best.
Old, but in excellent condition with a fine handcut stem.
5.6" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1 1/8 oz., 32 grams. $350.

Nording A #1123203GN

This pipe has good straight grain on both sides of the bowl,
although as you can see, it does fall off on the front. The draw
is open and the condition of both stem and bowl are excellent.
Although the chamber is large enough to take my thumb, and
the walls quite thick, the pipe is still not huge and unwieldy.
6.3" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 68 grams. Price: $75.

Jess Chonowitsch 1186134BT (SOLD)

Pretty much like new, but there are little dings on the red rim,
as though the pipe fell onto some fine gravel. I am pretty sure I
can steam out these very shallow dings. Through the dark red
stain, you can see that the rim, and the end of the shank, are
covered with Bird's Eye grain. The draw is open, the stem flat
and comfortable. Used. Price: $850.
5" long, bowl 1.5" high. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 61 grams.

Preben Holm Caprice #480018GN

To me, this looks like a contemporary Caminetto. Who know,
maybe it is (although it does say made in Denmark). The cond.
is excellent, the draw is open and the stem is marbelized brown.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 61 grams. Price: $75.

Bari Special #9130053JTL

A large, flat bottomed freehand that doesn't sit up so much as it
rocks, but stays upright in the process. Exc. cond. and an
open draw. This is a hand holder, & not for teeth holding.
6.4" long, bowl 2.5: tall. Weight: 3 1/8 oz., 90 grams. Price: $70

Ben Wade Matt Original #1123050 (SOLD 1/19/12)

This bowl sports some seriously good, tight straight grain
although not all around, but 3/4 or more. The remaining 1/4 is
not weak, either. Outside of a very little wear on the inner rim
of the chamber, the condition is excellent and despite its
lenght, the draw is open. I can easily fit my thumb into the bowl.
8.7" long, bowl 2.6" tall. Weight: 2 3/4 oz., 78 grams. $75.

Bjarne Nielsen #1225130 (SOLD 1/25/12)

To find an unsmoked Bjarne is not so much a rare thing as it is
simply a good thing, reminding people like me, who knew him,
of his wonderful, knowledgeable, uplifting presence. This
medium-small (about a small Grp. 4 in size) unsmoked Bulldog
is a good example of the great pipes he had for a very fair price.
5.3" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1 1/4 oz., 36 grams. $75.

Jorn Larsen #9130100 (SOLD 1/27/12)

Am I repeating myself if I say that it appears that Jorn Larsen
has ceased making pipes? Be that as it may, this is a beautiful
piece of briar for a Horn, and that is exactly what Jorn did with
it. The condition is excellent and the draw is open. Both the
shank trim and the stem are brindle. I can almost get my thumb
into the bowl and the only fear is of having ashes drip onto your
slacks if you are not careful, as with all Horns.
5.7" long. Weight: 2 oz., 56 grams. Price: $210.

Preben Holm Traditional #1123023 (SOLD 1/11/12)

Besides being called a "Traditional" it also says "Sandblast
Delight" and handmade. The condition is excellent with just
some carbon on the rim. The draw is wide open and the size is
about a Grp. 5. The PH nomenclature on the stem is crisp.
6.6" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. Price: $85.

Jorgen L Grade D #102801JJ

In terms of size, proportion, opening of of air hole, balance,
grain, comfort of stem, chamber size, thickness of bowl walls,
this appears to be a near-perfect pipe. It is also new, but it is
old in the sense that Jorgen Larsen is no longer making pipes.
His skin allergy to briar dust returned and he had to call it quits.
6.25" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 1 3/4 oz., 48 grams. $860.

Former #1031 9066

This should not be allowed to go without its brother, which at
the moment is appearing just above this pipe. They are as
nearly identical as hand carved pipes can be. It shows the
hand of the master and the man who can, as Lars Ivarsson
says to the young carvers who show him a nice pipe, "good,
now make six more exactly like it." The can't but Former can.
This is the kind of pipe that will last forever at the top of its craft.
6.4" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $895.

Kurt Balleby Grade 4 # 1269234 (SOLD 1/26/12)

here is a Horn that you can own and smoke and not burn a
hole in your outfit. A terrific job of sculpting.
5.1" long. Weight: 2 oz., 56 grams. Price: $1050

Bari Viking #627001JTL

The always seductive Panel shape in a Danish freehand, which
is not too large and certainly not small. The draw is open and
except for some negligible wear on the inner rim, it's in excellent
condition. The grain is straight and pretty full, too.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 72 grams. Price: $70

Preben Holm Caprice #480050GN

A rusticated pipe by Preben that's in very good condition with
no indentations on the stem or burn marks on the rim.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 72 grams. Price: $65

Stanwell Colonial #1123197GN (SOLD 1/16/12)

This pipe was made in Denmark. I think I'm going to get sick to
the stomach the first time that I have to post a Stanwell on the

.italian page. Wait...squash that. When I get one of those pipe
in, it probably won't make the Italian page (much to the relief, I'm
sure, Italian self-respect) but rather the Specials page. Back to
this pipe, which is in excellent condition with a wide-open draw
and some pretty nice straight grain.
5.95" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 55 grams. $45

Tom Eltang Saturn #1225085 (SOLD 1/23/12)

Is Tom Eltang the very best all-around pipe maker in the world
today? Impossible question, really, but in conversation with
somebody who could compete for that honor himself, Tonni
Nielsen, Tom was nominated for that title. This pipe is in
excellent condition and represents one of Tom's great shapes.
5.85" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 59 grams. $450.

Larsen Handmade #1225264ME (SOLD 1/14/12)

There is only a small chip out of the briar on the bottom of the
shank where it meets the stem that keeps this pipe from being
in near-new condition. This is from that wonderful old era of
Larsens that were stamped with the city name as well as the
made in Denmark designation. The stem is almost assuredly
hand-cut and the draw is open.
5.75" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 1/8 oz., 33 grams. Price: $95.

S. Bang Grade A #1122227SJ

Pretty attractive shape, isn't it? The draw is wide open, the
pipe is new and the grain is good, too.
5.7" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 54 grms. $1350.

Teddy Knudsen #1123154JC (SOLD 1/26/12)

This is an uncommon opportunity to get a Teddy that is 1)
unsmoked, and 2) at a very reasonable price. The cross grain
is no more nor less than you would expect from a pipe making
genius (you know, as stupid as that sounds, it just might be
true. Teddy could actually be a pipe making genius using the
definition of genius that I like best: the ability to do with aplomb
what others can't do at all). The stem is beautifully hand-cut
and the draw open. This pipe was made before Teddy started
jacking up the prices of his pipes so this is not graded with an
Eagle. Trust me, it would be an Eagle if made today. No doubt.
So, what would this pipe cost if sold by Teddy today? $4,000?
$5,000? I don't know, of course, but look at some of the
numbers put on his pipes and you'll see that I'm not a Loon.
5.65" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. $1850.

Harcourt #112307 (SOLD 1/14/12)

Harcourt was sold through Dunhill stores, so I had thought that
they must have been rather high grade versions of the Danish
Freehand style. Not so. Harcourt was a pretty run-of-the-mill
pipe, although I can't remember who made them (maybe the
Preben Holm/Ben Wade group, maybe not) and I'm not inclined
to look it up right now. What I will do is price it right, so there
should be no complaints out there. The cond. is exc. and the
draw wide-open. Nor is it large or heavy for a freehand.
5.6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 3/4 oz., 49 grams. $55

Nording 12 #1123032

I'm sure I'm giving this pipe away, but better that than have it sit
unused in a drawer. Everything from the handcut brindle stem
to the well grained Brandy shaped bowl to the open draw points
to a pipe that will get a lot of use by its owner. Grp. 4 or 4.5 size
5.6" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. New. $195.

Jorgen L #1225103 (SOLD 1/26/12)

Over the years, I have come to believe that Jorgen Larsen was
one of the greatest of pure pipe makers, as is Karlo Joura. His
pipes simply smoke beautifully, with great consistency. Of my
approx. 100 pipes, two of his smoke as well as any I have and
one of them may be the best of them all. This one is in exc.
condition, with an open draw and a very comfortable stem.
6" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 39 grams. $295.

Red Hat #1225114JJ

This is our introduction of a fresh face on the Danish scene,
Kjeld (say "Kell") Sorensen. Happily, he doesn't coat his bowls
and equally happy, he makes great straight grains available at
prices much closer (even below) the sandblasts of most other
Danish pipe makers. If you are one of those who like the
always clean look of acrylic, you'll be happy here, too. The
draw is open and the bowl comfortable to hold.
5.65" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 45 grams. $425.

Red Hat #1225138JJ

An Elephant's Foot with a wide-open draft. This offering by
Kjeld Sorenson goes for about 1/2 of what lesser makers get.
6.5" long, bowl 2.7" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 47 grams. $625.

Tonni Nielsen #1225041WCPS (SOLD 1/26/12)

He really is the one and only Tonni Nielsen. This pipe would be
very easy to loverlook as just another bent sandblast. But the
more I look at and hold it, I realize that it is entirely unique in a
rare way that only a pipe maker with Tonni's skills could
execute. I'm not sure even he knows how good he can be. I
say that because Tonni donated this pipe to the West Coast
Pipe Show to help raise the kind of money needed to keep it
going. At his best, he is absolutely the equal of any pipe maker
extant. And to think, a new pipe by Tonni is only $425, at a
time when every new chuch of a pipe maker thinks that their
pipes are worth that kind of money. Laughable.
5.65" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 47 grams. $425.

Stanwell #1225045 (RESERVED)

This much loved shape is old enough to have a Regis. #, but is
in excellent condition with a wide-open draw. The "S" logo on
the top of the stem is still white and is all there. A good version.
5.85" long, bowl 1.4" tall. Weight: 2 1/4 oz., 65 grams. $75.

Tom Eltang Poker #1225149

This is small, and it's hard to say if it's a Grp. 3 or a Grp. 2 size
when using the Dunhill system. The bowl is pretty deep, so call
it a 2.5. Whatever the size, it certainly exhibits the Eltang skill
with clean, crisp, clear lines and a purpose for everything that
has been done to the briar. The draw is wide open.
4.8" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 7/8 oz., 26 grams. $550

Tom Eltang #1225151

Considering the amount of precision work that went into this
pipe, the asking price seems low, and that doesn't take into
account the 35 years of experience. Is Tom Eltang the best
pipe maker in the world? Tonni Nielsen thinks so. I'd call this a
medium-large pipe with the quality kind of hand-cut stem you
would expect of Tom. Very comfortable.
6" long. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. Price: $840.

Tom Eltang #1225176

Looking at, and handling, this pipes makes me think, "boy, this
must be easy." I'll bet it didn't take Eltang much more than 40
yrs. of experience to knock out this melon. Although, come to
think about it, I don't see too many Dr. Grabows in this shape.
5.55" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 66 grams. $1250

Tom Eltang #1225188

When I look at pipes like this, I just want to laugh. Couldn't we
all make a canted cross between a Dublin and a Stack with
near perfect cross grain/Bird's Eye? (Nothing is perfect, so I
have to write "near perfect.") How does he do it? Let me get
ridiculous for a minute; what can I lose except your respect?
I'm going to invoke a definition of genius that I heard and liked
enough to remember: "doing with aplomb what others can't do
at all." If that is accurate, Tom Eltang just might be a genius.
Don't tell him I said that, I'd feel really foolish.
6" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. Price: $840.