From the Dr. Dan estate comes this Ruthenberg Bent Apple Sandblast with a Curly Maple Inset XXL (05). This is a giant of a pipe and is in near-mint condition. All estate pipes sold as-is.
Pipemaker History:
Brian Ruthenberg, hailing from Michigan, has a diverse background that includes experience as a machinist and tool maker, complemented by his woodworking skills honed over the years. He is renowned for his meticulous attention to close tolerances and precision measurements. Residing an hour north of Detroit, his journey has taken a significant turn as he transitioned from a full-time career as a semi-truck driver to dedicating himself entirely to the craft of pipe making.
Attending 3-5 pipe shows annually, Brian's foray into pipe making began with the encouragement of a friend and the guidance of experienced artisans.
His talent began to shine through when he entered his fourth, fifth, and sixth pipes into the Pipes and Tobacco magazine-sponsored pipe carving contest, securing second place in the amateur division. The Richmond Pipe Show, where the contest unfolded, provided him with a wealth of knowledge and connections within the pipe-making community. In particular, Mike Lindner offered to mentor him in the art of crafting hand-cut stems.
Brian Ruthenberg was a prolific pipe maker, crafting approximately 100-150 high-grade pipes annually. His work is characterized by the use of the finest plateau briar sourced from Italy and Morocco, along with top-quality Ebonite and Cumberland rod stock for hand-cut stems. Brian's pipes are distinguished by their meticulous craftsmanship, featuring a 4mm draft hole in the shank and tapered stems for a cool and dry smoking experience. The polished interior of the stem ensures effortless cleaning, reflecting his commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.