Bruno Nuttens Bing B2 Partially Sandblasted Billiard w/ Aluminum Briar Pipe, New

Starting out as a pipe restorer, Belgian artisan Bruno Nuttens moved onto producing his own pipes under the careful guidance of France’s most esteemed master pipe maker, Pierre Morel Jr. Nuttens’ first pipes creating relatively traditional pipes—often using carefully selected, decades-seasoned stummels from France’s historic Saint-Claude factories—but he would soon begin developing entirely handmade pipes in styles that seamlessly blended the old with the new. In the case of the latter, Nuttens was no doubt aided by time spent in the workshop of Danish legend Tom Eltang, where he further developed the skills and techniques behind his craft. Nuttens made such an impact in Denmark, in fact, that he’s been commissioned three times to develop the Stokkebye Pipe of the Year, a number rivaled only by Eltang himself. Today, Nuttens continues to craft high-grade pipes in a variety of styles, including his signature “Bing” and “Twiggy” shapes, all while mentoring students of his own, including the English-born artisan Chris Herriot. While Bruno Nuttens today is known for the wide variety of designs in his portfolio, his tremendous rise in prominence began with his “Bing” billiards. These pipes take their name from Bing Crosby, an actor and crooner from the 20th century well-known for his love of pipes—especially the ones we now commonly know as the “Bing.” Crosby was photographed many a time with a long, pencil-shanked billiard clenched between his teeth which he appears to have acquired from Herbert Merchant’s Merchant Service. Decades later, artisans like Nuttens would rediscover this distinct genre of pipes and put their own spin on the design. Nuttens himself sources the bowls for his Bings from the warehouses of France’s pipe making powerhouses in Saint-Claude, where they have had many years to season. He then finishes the bowls, cuts stems for them, and furnishes them with tasteful metal accents—in this case, aluminum, to complement a copper-toned, partial sandblast finish. The result is something classy, lightweight, and ample in chamber—perfect for puffing out on the town or home in the lounge.   Details: Length: 6.8″ / 172.72mm Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm Bowl Depth: 1.36″ / 34.54mm Weight: 1.7oz / 50g