David Enrique Eskimo Commission

I've spent many years collecting Danish and Old British pipes, but every now and then I branch out. I've had an idea for a pipe I would like for sometime now, something out of the norm; but who to ask to have a go at making it for me?
I've been following David Enrique's work for a long time and getting more and more impressed. So much so that I felt he was the perfect choice for what I had in mind. But, would he consider it?
For a while I've wanted an Eskimo, but always shied away as they seem fairly impractical. I wanted something a little less stylised that Eltang's Eskimo - something that veered more towards the squat-bulldog (one of my favourite shapes) hidden in the Eskimo. So I approached David to see if he was game to give it a go for me. To my surprise, he was. We chatted via email and I told him my ideas and left the rest to him.
David is a very patient man and gently answered my, "Is it ready yet?" emails with good humour. So I sat, and I waited, getting more and more excited as time passed until I was fit to pop. Then, just as I thought I couldn't hold it in any longer an email arrived letting me know my pipe was ready, with links to pictures. When I opened them I drew breath and then whistled softly. This is what I beheld:









For the stats fiends amongst you:
Weight : 39 grs

Length : 133mm

Chamber diameter : 22mm

Height : 30mm

Chamber depth : 25mm

Airway diameter : 4mm

Handmade stem from German cumberland rod

Tan sandblasted finish
Now I wait for the slow-boat-to-China postal service here to deliver it to my door, and when it arrives, I will be cracking open a well aged tin of tobacco to christen it.
All I can say is, Thank You, David. You greatly exceeded my expectations - your creation is exceptionally beautiful and I will, I know, spend many happy years with this pipe.
David is an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to work with (actually, I just gave a few requirements and he did all the rest). I will definitely be acquiring one of his Accord pipes in the near future.

I like it and I usually don't like the Eskimo shape. Enjoy it and thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the comments gents.
Michael, Sam, your comments made me laugh out loud - cheers. You really set the day off to a great start.
Cossack, you can almost smell the yeasty goodness when you look at that grain - I love your description of the grain.
Bigpond, now that I have it in hand I'll dig out the cravat and smoking jacket - I appreciate the pointers on how to properly deal with this HUGE sexy Eskimo. You're right; David does make beautiful pipes, and how he can do what he does and sell them for the price he does is a wonder to me. He should be on everyone's shopping list - no doubt.
The reality is that this is actually a rather small pipe, though perfectly formed - and, the pictures really do not do it justice ( I know, I know - everyone says that - but, it's a cliche 'cos it's true). The most impressive thing though is the button and slot work - my eyes literally glazed over and my jaw dropped when I finally paid it attention. I've never seen work quite like it - staggeringly beautiful, and verging on utter perfection.
Matt, good to be back - albeit intermittently.