Rare W.Ø. Larsen Handmade Super Black Sandblasted Straight Billiard (Shape 40) – Large Chubby Shank, Danish Golden Era Estate Pipe.(SKU-264)

Rare W.Ø. Larsen Handmade Super Black Sandblasted Straight Billiard (Shape 40) – Large Chubby Shank, Danish Golden Era Estate Pipe Item Description: A Collector’s Gem from the Pinnacle of Danish Pipe Making: W.Ø. Larsen Handmade “Super Black” Sandblasted Billiard Welcome to the Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia series – your destination for meticulously curated estate pipes accompanied by in-depth historical context, technical analysis, and insights into the artistry of the world’s finest pipemakers. This offering is a distinguished example from W.Ø. Larsen, Denmark’s most iconic tobacco institution and a cornerstone of modern pipe history. Historical Context & Provenance Founded in 1864 on Copenhagen’s famous Strøget pedestrian street, W.Ø. Larsen remains Denmark’s oldest and most revered pipe and tobacco shop. While initially a premier tobacconist, the brand entered its golden era in the 1960s when it established an in-house workshop that attracted the era’s greatest artisans. Under the influence of pioneers like Sixten Ivarsson, the Larsen workshop became a cradle of the Danish freehand movement, employing legendary carvers including Hans “Former” Nielsen, Teddy Knudsen, Jess Chonowitsch, Tonni Nielsen, Peter Hedegaard, and Sven Knudsen. Pipes bearing the “Hand Made” and “Designed by W.Ø. Larsen” nomenclature originate from this revered workshop period (primarily 1970s–1990s), before production transitioned in the early 2000s. These pieces represent the height of Danish craftsmanship – flawless engineering, superior briar selection, and innovative design that elevated classic shapes into works of functional art. Unsigned workshop pieces like this one were often crafted by the master’s bench, making them highly sought after by discerning collectors who appreciate the anonymous excellence of the Larsen school. The “Super” designation denotes a premium grade reserved for superior briar and execution, while the rare “Super Black” stamping indicates a deep sandblasted finish with intense black contrast staining – a dramatic treatment that accentuates ring grain and creates a tactile, rugged elegance. This finish variant is considerably scarcer than Larsen’s smooth Straight Grain or Select lines, adding significant collectible appeal. Shape Analysis: Classic Billiard Reinterpreted Shape 40 in the Larsen catalog is a robust straight Billiard, here executed in an oversized interpretation with distinctive Danish flair. The generous bowl proportions are paired with a pronounced chubby shank, lending muscular presence and exceptional balance in hand. This is no delicate English billiard – it embodies the Danish preference for bold, substantial classics that prioritize chamber capacity and heat dissipation while maintaining timeless proportions. The deep sandblast reveals dramatic ring grain beneath the midnight-black stain, creating a textured surface that is both visually striking and pleasing to the touch. The stem is hand-cut vulcanite with a comfortable tapered profile terminating in a classic fishtail bit – precise drilling and airflow engineering ensure an effortless, cool smoke characteristic of Larsen’s handmade era. Dimensions & Specifications • Overall Length: 6.02 in. / 152.91 mm • Bowl Height: 2.37 in. / 60.20 mm • Chamber Depth: 2.09 in. / 53.09 mm • Chamber Diameter: 0.92 in. / 23.37 mm • Outside Diameter: 1.73 in. / 43.94 mm • Weight: 2.30 oz. / 65.32 g • Stem Material: Vulcanite (hand-cut tapered with fishtail bit) • Filter: None (standard tenon for unrestricted draw) • Material: Premium aged briar • Finish: Deep sandblast with black contrast stain (“Super Black”) • Origin: Handmade in Denmark Condition This is a gently pre-smoked estate pipe in very good condition. The chamber shows minimal cake development, the rim is clean with no significant charring, and the deep blast remains crisp and well-preserved. The stem exhibits only faint chatter and oxidizes minimally – overall, an outstanding example ready for immediate enjoyment or cabinet display. No fills, cracks, or structural issues; nomenclature is crisp and legible. For the serious collector seeking an iconic Danish handmade piece with rare finishing, bold proportions, and impeccable provenance, this Super Black Billiard represents exceptional value from one of pipe making’s most celebrated workshops. International shipping available. Please message with any questions – happy to provide additional photos or details. Thank you for supporting the Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia. please check my other pipe list here: https://www.ebay.com/sch/faridunhill/m.html?_nkw&_armrs=1&_ipg&_from SKU: SKU-264