Virgin Ring Grain Large Bulldog Gr5, Dioptase Vulcanite

Here’s a revisited variant of the Bulldog shape that impresses firstly by its dimensions (a wide, deep chamber that classifies it as a group 5 or even 6), but also by its virgin sandblasted finish (no stain or finishing agent), and finally by its somewhat atypical shape: sharp angles at the stummel, a long round shank but flattened under the base, in short: angles and curves seem to have found a match here. The briar has been sandblasted to reveal its concentric rings and transverse veins. A few small traces of sandpits remain, notably on the upper rims and on the edging, but nothing that would be prohibitive. The stem is hand-cut from a bar of ‘Dioptase’ ebonite from the renowned German company SEM (“Schönberger Ebonite Manufaktur GmbH”), one of the leading producers of top-quality ebonite. The flock is made of Teflon and the shank is drilled to 4.2mm. The concave-cut slot of the mouthpiece is open in a V-shape for optimum draw. The briar, of Corsican origin according to the supplier, has benefited from one year’s drying at the supplier’s and a further six years in my storeroom.