Greek Temptation (Michail Kyriazanos)

[ssjones]

I was minding my own business this morning, when papipe guy posts his new Larryson. So, I wander over to Smokershaven to check out their Larryson offerings. Oops, what is this, a Michail Kyriazonos Rhodesian in my favorite size, blast and some silver bling. After 10 minutes of deliberation, it is heading my way.
The shape is reminiscent of the early Comoys "Quebec" shape, which I missed out on a few years ago via the Passion for Pipes Pipe of the Year.

Please check out my pipes for sale to pay for this one....

 

[bonehed]

Stunning - happy smokes!

 

[iamn8]

Awesome score!! Wish I could wonder down to smokershaven.

 

[dmcmtk]

Very nice Al, resistance is futile... :wink:

 

[ssjones]

By wander, I meant via keyboard. That's one shop that I have never visited.

 

[gloucesterman]

It's comforting to know I don't suffer this affliction alone! Dutch

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

I like Kyriazanos pipes a lot. I own 3 of them now. I stared at this particular pipe on many occasions. The shell/bruyere finish, bead lines, shape, band work; it's a great specimen. I think his eye for shaping and level of craftsmanship is among the best. I hope you truly enjoy your new pipe. Congrats!

 

[papipeguy]

Yep, that would float my boat too. Well chosen, Al.

 

[ssjones]

Ah, thanks mothernature, I haven't held one in person, nor do any other friends own this maker. I know he is friends with Chris Asteriou. I can't seem to find any contact for him. I wonder what his inspiration was for this shape. I'll reach out to Chris.

 

[ssjones]

The Quebec was made for Neill Archer Roan, by Vollmer and Nielson. At the time, I thought that it too expensive, but now wish that I would have grabbed one. I believe Peck owns one.

 

[disinformatique]

Perfect pipe Al. Its lovely. I guess we have to contact Vollmer and Nielsen one day.
Chris :puffpipe:

 

[johnbarleycorn]

Beautiful pipe. Enjoy.

 

[quincy]

I saw you post that on Facebook and drooled a little...

 

[ssjones]

The pipe was delivered today and I enjoyed a bowl of MM965 in it already. It's really perfect for my tastes. The stem work, button, tenon are all first rate. An easy first bowl(he drills on the larger size, so firm pack worked great).
Here's the pipe compared to a GBD 9242, its even more compact in size (43 grams). And a detail shot of the tenon.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

I guess the larger drilling is relative to the pipe, but I'm not really sure? The 3 I have are straights and are no where near as open as the one shown on this pipe. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the pipe.

 

[cigrmaster]

Al, don't know how I missed this one. That is a real looker, love the shape. I hope you love how it smokes, congrats.

 

[ssjones]

Here's the info from his page at the SmokingPipes.com website:

Michail only uses Greek briar from two sources, a briar which he proudly declares is The "tastiest in the world!" Kyriazanos hand cuts his stems from ebonite and, much like Adam Davidson and Chris Asteriou, hand turns his tenons (no delrin). His drafts are set to 4mm in the stummel and 3mm on the stems, and he then inserts a 4mm taper drill to the stem to make the transition smoother.

I'm very pleased with my Chris Asteriou stem, Michail's work is just as good.

 

[michail]

Hello Al, I'm glad you enjoying one of my pipes. Thank you for your kind words.
The inspiration for the shape was a pipe made by BBB in 1916 that I saw last year in Chicago pipe show. I wanted to bring the old charm of these early Rhodesians back into today's pipemaking.
Michail

 

[ssjones]

Michail, thank you for the comment. I was certain that the shape had a WWI era feel to it!
Here are a couple of BBB's from that era that are very similar.
I have to say that your addition of Rhodesian bowl rings are a detail that for me, really makes the pipe. I'm curious, do you also do your own silverwork?
1913 - forum member "Pitchfork" owns this pair.

1912 BBB - sold by Smokers Haven

The pipe continues to be a favorite, the size and shape is just perfect.

 

[jerwynn]

Spectacularly awesome pipes!!! Fantastic!

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