was cruising the bay and saw this one, had one I bought from Briar Blues, exceptional smoker, carver died in 02 at age of 49, studied under Buttera and won many awards. Made him an offer I didn't think he would except and was pleasantly surprised. Don't have it yet but if it smokes as good as the other it's a winner.
You are correct, gigger. Depression is a nasty thing.
I had one of his pipes years ago and loved it, just traded it off because it was too large. Spoke with him a few times at NASPC, a very nice fellow.