Along with figures such as Hans ‘Former’ Nielsen, Anne Julie, and Tom Eltang, Kurt Balleby Hansen is one of the living legends of Danish pipe-making. Balleby celebrated his 40th year in the craft in 2023, having first started as an apprentice to Kai Nielsen and Preben Holm. Owing to a highly selective approach to the briar he uses, and to the over 150 steps involved in making a Balleby pipe, production is limited, and their availability is scarce.

It is not every day that you get to handle a Balleby. In fact, for most, the probability of ever handling one is close to nil. I feel quite honored in that I was able to inspect this one for myself, though the feeling is bittersweet, as I will not be able to keep it. This one came to us through our consignment program; it’s a stunning, eminently Danish Rhodesian, with a perfect combination of vertical straight grain and bird’s-eye patterns on its rim. The stem is hand cut cumberland, and features an accent that looks – to me – like zebrawood. Finally, at the base of the stem lies Balleby’s emblem: a 14 carat gold inlay.

The condition is excellent. There’s a little, minor inner rim darkening, but I see nothing else of note. The pipe is chambered for 9mm filters, but would likely accommodate an adapter for non-filtered use.

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.84 / 21.33mm

Bowl Depth: 1.65″ / 41.91mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g