Swan Neck Indulgence

[georged]

The Britwood swan neck "thing" started in the 1930's, when high level craftsmanship and the "streamline moderne" aesthetic converged.

Mostly found on billiards and billiard variants, but occasionally on Rhodesians.

They've become increasingly prized by pipe buyers in general (collectors have always jumped on them), which has made good specimens expensive.

Too pricey for me, anyway.

But I always loved 'em, so finally just said, "What the hell" the other day and made one.

 

[lraisch]

Damn George, that's beautiful!

 

[verporchting]

Abso-freaking-lutely gorgeous pipe!

 

[autumnfog]

Beautiful!

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I love the elegant look of that stem type. When done properly. Your example is a work of art.

 

[sablebrush52]

That's a gorgeous pipe!

 

[yanoJL]

Wow, George. That's so smooth and classy! I appreciate the way you bevel and soften the shape of the bit. I have a couple where the angles of the bit (on the stummel side) are sharper. Yours look much more comfortable.

 

[DesertDan]

Beautiful pipe, well done sir!

 

[rokerdepipe]

Gorgeous pipe! I take it, this will not be the last pipe you ever make, because, if so, the one you’ve made, would then be your……’swan song’ pipe!

 

[Sigmund]

Beautiful and I do like the shape of that stem a lot.

 

[newbroom]

I have wondered whether or not you ever made a pipe. I've been here reading the forums now since 2014, and I've seen what you're capable of, Geo. You're an incredible craftsman who's attention to detail is astounding.

The closest pipe I have to that swan neck shape is a B. Barling & Sons 4065. It was made in Denmark, so, I assume it came from Nording's factory.

As with Jim Cooke, you've repaired 'em all and know their guts. If this is YOUR first pipe, I wouldn't be surprised that you'd tackle one of the most difficult if not the most difficult shape to conquer, master, replicate, or produce. That's a really nice pipe ya got there!

 

[ssjones]

I believe George has made a pipe or two previously? If that's a Sophomore effort, wow!

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I call dibs on the next Dibos!

 

[AroEnglish]

Swan necks are also too pricey for me so feel free to make me one.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I'd smoke it..

 

[cosmicfolklore]

The stem is beautiful, but the curves on that billiard is classic. Great job!

 

[greeneyes]

George has made several pipes, many of which I e seen, but I have to say that this one is my favorite of all of them. The organic, flowing curves are jaw dropping. George has been admiring the curvature of pipes like the Viscount Lascelles, among others, and it really shows with this one. If there were s waiting list for one of these I would be first in line.

 

[kcghost]

About every five to ten years @georged makes a pipe and it is always something to look forward to!! I will swear that he has made no more than ten pipes in his life.

 

[anotherbob]

the only Dunhill I ever considered dropping that much cash on was a Swan Neck. They just hit me as being so graceful and sublime.

 

[georged]

Wow. I didn't realize the "shape love" was so prevalent. I thought it was a hardcore collector Thing.

The visual magic happens when the stem is pushed to its limit in both size and bend but absolutely no further. Teetering on the brink of cartoonish---one step more and it would fall off the edge---but it never does no matter the viewing angle. Seriousness and dignity prevails.

As for how many pipes I've made, it's six or seven. Quinton Wells and I were going to team up to make lots of 'em in 2012 but it never happened for an assortment of reasons, and I still have some briar blocks from the project in a box under a desk.

Once in a while the urge strikes and I give it a go.

Here's a 90-degree side shot of the swanny I meant to include. Always the benchmark viewing angle when assessing line. (Oblique shots are sexier but less useful)