I am sure quite a few of us has seen this unique pipe shape at one time or another while browsing the internet, looking for that one of a kind pipe to add to one's collection. But who came up with this crazy idea of a sea urchin?
From my research (which was not extensive by any means), it seems like the late Bill Taylor, of Ashton pipes, has created it first. I managed to find an example:
Nowadays, it is definitively the signature shape of Ian Walker from Northern Briars. I admit I like Walker's interpretation of the shape, better. Here are a few examples:
I have always been fascinated by the striking look this shape displays, particularly when Walker enhances it with a silver shank adornment.
But, of all the variations I have seen, the natural finish with the Celtic sterling silver adornment is the one I would go for.
I cannot look at this wonderful pipe and not think that this is, simply, a work of art. If there would be one pipe I would buy without hesitation nor caring about its price, it would be the natural with the Celtic band.
The Sea Urchin Pipe
- unregistered1
- Active Member
- Posts: 124
- Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2018 5:52 am
'Tobacco is my favorite vegetable.'
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
- Mr Beardsley
- Founding Member
- Posts: 11465
- Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2018 12:16 am
It's definitely an eye catching shape though I prefer the somewhat mellower look of the first example over the northern briars interpretation
“If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?” - George Carlin
-
- Active Member
- Posts: 217
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 10:55 am
Oof. I can appreciate the effort, but that pipe is atrocious.