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S. Bang

Tier:

Country: Denmark

Price: € 450+

Production method:

Notes: Bangs have been carved by Per Hansen and Ulf Noltensmeier since around 1970. Earlier Bangs were made by a variety of carvers and are usually not considered as collectible as the Hansen/ Noltensmeier pipes. Though smooth Bangs are the dream of many smokers, the brand also boasts some of the deepest and most interesting blasts among European makes.

Grades (in ascending order): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D. Individually numbered, ungraded pieces are the most expensive. Some pipes, especially those exported to the USA bear the initials of the carver.

Comments: While most collectors see Bangs as a cut above other Danish gems, they are nonetheless not generally counted among the very few ultra high-grades - Chonowitsch, Ivarsson etc. This is a ranking perception I find hard to follow. In my opinion, a Bang equals any Chonowitsch for craftsmanship. Moreover, the brand is slightly more diverse than Jess' range in terms of shape (while remaining as coherent). I find Bang the more exciting of the two makes - and at a lower price.

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