George's recent posts had me thinking about what I desire in a pipe (besides the obvious engineering aspects). This pipe hits all my targets. It is a post-war family era Sasieni Four Dot "Liverpool" in the lighter variant of the Ruff Root sandblasted finish that has survived remarkably well.
Most Sasieni blasts that I have come across have a more muted, less 'crisp' texture to the finish, with this pipe being a striking exception to the rule. A nice, fully realized sandblast that remains factory-fresh. Both sides are wonderfully symmetrical, and the light, natural finish has aged into a rich, highlighted grain patina that combines with the surface texture perfectly. The stem is mint.
I feel this is a true exemplar of the British factory pipe-making tradition.
Oh, and it's a sitter!
Doc
Most Sasieni blasts that I have come across have a more muted, less 'crisp' texture to the finish, with this pipe being a striking exception to the rule. A nice, fully realized sandblast that remains factory-fresh. Both sides are wonderfully symmetrical, and the light, natural finish has aged into a rich, highlighted grain patina that combines with the surface texture perfectly. The stem is mint.
I feel this is a true exemplar of the British factory pipe-making tradition.
Oh, and it's a sitter!
Doc