A friend of mine, “Dave” just sent me a picture of one of his pipes!
Damn that’s nice! Exactly the style of pipe I like! As you will see.
Here’s some shots of my first pipe! A Stanwell Royal Briar #364, some major cracks but that’s O.K. since there’s many years of heavy carbon holding it together! haha
Needless to say “I had to have a spare” backup pipe, so to speak! The closest I’ve found to my first one. A Stanwell 63M. Here she is …..
Stanwell Smoking Pipes, made in Denmark, have a rich history and are celebrated for their quality and distinctive Danish design. Here’s some information about the specific models you’re interested in:
Stanwell Model #364:
- General Information: The Stanwell model #364 isn’t as commonly referenced in recent online sources, suggesting it might be less common or an older model. Stanwell pipes are known for their variety of shapes, with some models featuring unique designs by famous Danish pipemakers.
- Design Style: Stanwell’s range typically includes both traditional and modern shapes. The quality of materials like briar wood and the craftsmanship in Stanwell pipes are well-regarded, ensuring each pipe has its own character.
Stanwell Model 63M:
- Shape and Design: The Stanwell 63M is identified as a Bent Dublin shape. It’s noted for its suitability to showcase grain and plateau, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. This model comes with a military mount, enhancing its practical use and elegance.
- Material and Finish: Typically, Stanwell pipes, including the 63M, are made from high-quality briar wood, which is either sandblasted or left smooth, with various finishes like the “Silke Brun” line, which gives a rich, mahogany hue.
- Production Period: The 63M model has been mentioned in contexts suggesting it was made before the production of Stanwell pipes moved to Italy in 2010, indicating it’s from the Danish era of production.
Additional Notes on Stanwell Pipes:
- Historical Background: Stanwell pipes began in 1942 under the name Kyringe by Poul Nielsen due to the unavailability of English pipes during WWII. Post-war, they transitioned to using briar and became known under the Stanwell name, significantly influencing the Danish pipe-making scene.
- Brand Reputation: Stanwell pipes are recognized for offering excellent value with consistent quality, which has helped them maintain a reputation as one of the best factory-produced pipes in the world. They played a pivotal role in the popularity of Danish pipes in the U.S. and Europe.
If you’re considering these models for your collection, keep in mind that Stanwell pipes from the Danish production era are often seen as collector’s items due to their historical significance and craftsmanship. However, availability might be limited since production moved to Italy, and some models might no longer be in production.
Now let’s take a look at Nording Pipes!
Simply – Beautiful!
Nording Pipes, crafted in Denmark, have a notable place in the world of pipe smoking due to their distinctive style and quality craftsmanship. Here’s some basic information about Nording Pipes:
- Founding and Background: Nording Pipes were established by Erik Nørding, who started making pipes in the late 1950s. Erik’s journey into pipe-making began when he couldn’t afford a pipe he admired, leading him to make one himself, which sparked a lifelong career.
- Design Philosophy: Nording is renowned for its innovative approach to pipe design, often incorporating freehand shapes that break from traditional forms. His pipes are known for their rustic, organic look, with a focus on showcasing the natural beauty of the briar wood, including its grain and plateau.
- Materials and Craftsmanship: Like many premium Danish pipe makers, Nording uses high-quality briar for his pipes. His work often features sandblasted finishes, which bring out the texture of the wood, alongside smooth finishes that highlight the grain. The use of unique accents like bamboo or other exotic materials in stems is also a hallmark of Nording’s work.
- Signature Styles: Nording pipes are famous for their “Hunters” and “Freehand” series, where each pipe is unique, often with a rustic or natural appearance. The emphasis is on individuality, with each piece being somewhat of a one-of-a-kind creation due to the freehand sculpting approach.
- Reputation and Influence: Erik Nørding’s impact on the pipe world is significant, not only for his pipes but also for his teaching and mentoring of new pipemakers. His pipes are celebrated for their artistic expression and have a dedicated following among pipe enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of functionality with art.
- Production: While Nording pipes are predominantly handmade, ensuring each piece’s uniqueness, the brand has managed to maintain a steady output, balancing the artisanal nature with accessibility to collectors and smokers alike.
- Market Presence: Nording pipes have a strong presence in both the European and North American markets, often featured in specialty tobacco shops and at pipe shows where they are admired for their bold designs and the character each pipe possesses.
Nording Pipes represent a blend of tradition with innovation, making them a notable name in Danish pipe-making, appreciated for their quality, uniqueness, and the artistic expression they bring to the craft of smoking pipes.
I must say, “Those darn Danes, they made great pipes”! Happy piping!