WTB: Mark Balkovec Angled Rhodesian Bulldog

[puffingmypipes]

Greetings
I'm on the hunt for a Mark Balkovec Angled Bulldog after recently missing an unsmoked estate example on smokingpipes.com. I've reached out to Mark through various channels, but he's been unresponsive. I'm taking it as he is on a hiatus from making pipes.
If anyone has this pipe and would be willing to let it go, please message me. Thanks so much!

 

[cortezattic]

Very unusual shape ...and nice one at that! Will keep it in mind.

btw, welcome to the forums. :clap:

 

[puffingmypipes]

@cortez Thank you very much! Yes its a really cool shape, very reminiscent of Grechukhin's work but frankly I like it more. Thanks for keeping an eye out for me!

 

[mso489]

Beautiful design, taking off from the traditional and doing something entirely different. The angled bead line is a touch of brilliance, and the whole pipe is carried off with high artistry. Don't blame you!

 

[ssjones]

Moved to pipe talk

 

[puffingmypipes]

One has been sourced! I'm blown away by the speed within this community and I'm glad to be a part of it! I'll post pics after it arrives :D

 

[crashthegrey]

Still kicking myself for not having him make me one. I was all set to commission one but I wanted the morta one. He was out of morta and offered me a deal on a briar one and I passed. Silly me.

 

[weedsnager]

What Happened to mark ? No longer making pipes ?

 

[puffingmypipes]

@crashthegray well don’t hate me but....the pipe I bought is actually a morta one
I really hope he starts making them again. Going through his Facebook page, it’s really a shame that he stopped because he had some really unique stuff.

 

[puffingmypipes]

@weedsnager I was told by multiple people after reaching out that “he’s out” and “he’s stopped making pipes” but don’t have any details. It’s really unfortunate and he dropped off social media cold turkey without letting people know. Wish he’d start up again!

 

[weedsnager]

His pipes were something special....had a Different look...very professional looking

 

[newbroom]

I think what really sets him apart is his stem work. Incredible stems he produces. His flare for design variation on classics is obvious with the op's picture. (although, THAT stem looks like it's got a sharp edge or two inside button)

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I have a Devil Anse he made which is an awesome pipe. Sorry to see him go.

 

[puffingmypipes]

I think I speak for most when I yell "Mark, please come back and make more pipes!!!"
Big thanks to the seller in reaching out and letting this lovely piece go. It arrived today, only a day late to celebrate my birthday. Excited to enjoy many smokes from this beautiful piece. On to the pics!:

 

[crashthegrey]

On the contrary, puffingmypipes, I am very happy for you. It's nice to see pictures of the one that got away. Haha. Enjoy. From what I have heard, he got tired of some of the drama in the community, especially on the pipe maker side. And he focused on work and family.

 

[puffingmypipes]

@crashthegrey thanks for the nice note man, much appreciated

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I love that shape