Former, the first in-house carver for Larsen, cut this powerful yet elegant oval-bowled bent Dublin from a striking piece of Corsican briar, imported by his friend Sven Knudsen. Especially notable features include the convex rim covered in birdseye, the effortless but well-articulated transition between bowl and curved, oval shank, and the simple yet graceful handcut taper bit with fishtail lip. Less obvious but no less important is the first rate internal engineering, which helps assure the cool, sweet smoking properties for which Former's pipes are known.
This is a masterful piece, and one which, if sold new with Former's own stamping, would cost at least $1000 more. Given its virtually pristine condition, it is an excellent value.