“To ‘D’, or not to ‘D’; that is the question.”

Austrian master Peter Matzhold’s interpretations of the classics and neo-classics are probably some of the most immediately recognizable in all of pipedom; nearly unwavering in their symmetry, highly architectural, and featuring a splendid pairing of the sphere/cylinder and arch. The arch, of course, usually makes its appearance in a ‘D’ or inverted ‘D’ shank.

In this less often seen (from Peter) elongated bent apple, Matzhold replaces the previously mentioned D with a more traditional, slightly ovoid approach that features a subtle taper in its movement from mount to bowl. I find the change to be not only delightful, but feel the net effect is a sleeker, more elegant form. The change up also allows for a bit longer travel of the underside of the shank, creating a subtle pair of ‘cheeks’, which I feel adds a good deal of charm in most any Euro apple or brandy.

Bear Graves