At the beginning of every year, I make a list with ten carvers that I will concentrate on, with the hopes of getting 3 or 4. I have commission requests with 4 carvers outstanding, but sometimes these take over a year to get. Last week the Downie I commissioned 15 months ago came in (the...
My collecting focus started shifting about three years ago to North American carvers because of the exchange rate. With the exception of a Love Geiger or estate pipes, all purchases for the last few years have been North American Carvers.
The shop is owned by Pat Callaghan, and Mike LaDue works there. The French distributor is out of St. Louis, but always accompanies Former when he comes to Champaign. I would love to see some pictures of your Tonni's.
Hello and welcome, Ian. Former is one of my favorite carvers and I currently have 4 in my collection. Every year he stops off in Champaign (Jon's Pipe Shop) for a few days on his way to the Chicago show. It's a great opportunity to visit with him and check out the pipes he is taking to the...