Stanwell has deserved its place as one of the top brands in the world with the sheer variety of gorgeous shapes and high quality materials and craftsmanship. Most of their shapes were created by some of the biggest Danish pipe masters of all time, people like Sixten Ivarsson, Tom Eltang, Jess Chonowitsch, Poul Ilsted, and Preben Holm. Shape 11 was designed by Sixten Ivarsson and the Selected Briar indicates a higher grade.

At this point I am sure a lot of you are wondering — wasn’t Shape 11 the iconic wide pot? Yes, you are absolutely right, but like a lot of Stanwell shapes, many went through multiple iterations over the years.

Like most old brands, the earlier the production the more valuable and sought after the pipe, and in my experience the older briar and vulcanite often have a character that’s hard to find today. This beauty was manufactured between 1948 and 1970.

Condition note: the pipe has been lightly smoked, but it is definitely a Grade A3. The stem transition could have been better.

The pipes go through one final check before shipping, so if you notice any inconsistencies in the carnauba finish or smudges they will be taken care of before your pipe is shipped to you.