italian

Pulvers' Prior Briar
P.O. Box 61146
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Phone/Fax:
(650) 965-7403
Email:
mpulvers@aol.com

Pipe
Categories:

Proietti #22780

This must be an early Proietti because I've looked at his web
site's pipe gallery and he makes some rather nice looking, well
balanced, proportional pipes. This one has a thin wall over the
shank that could be problematic if smoked hot. The draw is open,
but the bend makes it near-impossible to see the chamber and
light the bowl correctly. It's an ambitious, but unwise, attempt by
someone who doesn't have command of the basics to make an
advanced shape. Clearly, he has learned his craft since this
ill-advised attempt. Its a Small grp. 4 in size. New.
4.85" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1.25 oz., 34 grams. $125.

Ser Jacopo #623204

This Calabash shaped briar is in exc. cond, with an open draw &
construction that provides for a cleaner to easily flow to the

bottom of the chamber. It's Grp. 6 size. Used.
5.3" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $90.

Il Ceppo 6 #117282 (SOLD 7/22/18)

The level 6 for Il Ceppo is quite high & represents the quality of
straight grain. Nor does the grain quality drop off at the front of
the bowl, as is so often the case. It's Grp. 5 size, with an open
draw & a cleaner passes easily through to the chamber. The
stem is acrylic and the chamber is not coated. Unsmoked.
5.9" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 49 grams. $345.

Fiamma di Re #623255AG

One of the early, fine brands from the Pesaro area that just
couldn't make it financially...and not because of the quality of
the pipes or briar. This is a Grp. 6 size, with lots of straight
grain & no flat spots. The sandblasted shank & bottom of the
bowl, along with a silver band, adds handsome design variety.
5.35" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 54 grams. $75.

Il Duca 3B #89-30283

Max created both a new, slightly asymmetrical, shape and a
new finish, burning, or burnishing, a reddish sandblast stain.
The pipe is Grp. 5 size, or even a tad larger. The draw is open
and the brindle stem is vulcanite. The drilling is spot on. The
trim may be Boxwood; I'm not sure. New.
5.9" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 3 oz., 84 grams. $432.

Il Duca Barone 3 Morta #89-30245

A bit of a stubby fellow, with the drilling right on the bottom of
the chamber, a wide-open draw and the happy ability to take a
pipe cleaner through with just a little bending of the tip of the

cleaner. The trim is Leopard Wood, I think and the stem is a
well crafted vulcanite...thin and very comfortable. New.
4.35" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 2 1/4 oz., 64 grams. $432.

Castello 3G Old Antiquari 425-0623

When a pipe seller sees a great version of a shape, any shape,
he is almost obligated to buy it. That is why I acquired this piece
from Castello. it is big and beautiful. My thumb fits tightly into
the chamber, the walls are thick & the draw is wide-open,
7.25" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. $660

Il Duca 3B Morta #89-30274

I don't remember the name of the exotic wood trim on this pipe,

but perhaps it's Leopard Wood. It is short, but the bowl
capacity is at least Grp. 4 in size. The draw is wide-open and
the flat, vulcanite stem is exceedingly comfortable. new.
4.4" long, bowl 1.5" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $432.

Castello Sea Rock Briar #623171

A vintage piece with the shape #, 23, stamped on it and also with

with the old U.S. diamond logo on the stem. The chamber rim is
crisp, but there are minor tooth marks on the bottom of the stem.
Quite shallow, but certainly visible. The draw is open. It's a Grp.
5 in size, but the chamber is no larger than a Grp. 4 in my
assessment. If you like the feel of an Apple in the hand,
combined with the tactile sharpness of a deeply carved pipe,
consider this piece 'cause it has that 'come hither' aura. Used
6" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. $145.

2012 Castello Occhio di Pernice Collection #8913CO

By virtue of what artistic standard is straight grain more
desirable than Bird's Eye? Who made that decision for us? By
a long shot I think that Bird's Eye is grain is more diverse and
interesting to look at than straight grain. This is a 2K, with nice
thick walls and an open draw. Surprisingly, to me at least, a
cleaner, with just a little twist, goes right to the bottom of the
chamber. That's good engineering, nicht wahr? New.
4.65" long, bowl 2.35" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 71 grams. $565.

Castello Great Line K #89-3761

Unless it's the plateau rim, I don't understand why this is a
Greatline and not, say, a Fiammata. Well, it's a small Greatline.
5.5" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 44 grams. Price: $610

Castello 4K Trademark #824275

This Trademark is well grained all around and has that nice touch
of plateau on the inner part of the rim. It is probably a Grp. 5, but
seems like a 4 because Italian pipes are so large. The draw is
open and always note the uncoated chamber. It was too
appealing and irresistible not to buy and offer. New.
5.25" long, bowl 1.55" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. $480.

1999 Limited Special Edition Castello "Castello" #218146

This is #10 out of 24. All 24 pieces were sold out within 15 min.
of release at the annual retail tobacco dealers' trade show. A
two page spread is devoted to these 24 pipes in the Spring
2000 edition of "Pipes & Tobaccos" magazine. All 24 are
depicted in the spread & you can pick this one out of the line-up
P&T bought one for their museum. Grp. 5 size, $1395.

Ser Jacopo Gepetto #623-2257

I'm always a sucker for well-made Panels and this one has 8
sides, thick walls and the open draw you would expect from a
top grade pipe maker. Did I mention this is a large pipe? Not
huge, but plenty large.
6" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2 1/4 oz., 65 grams. Price: $145

Il Ceppo #308037JJ

I'll be posting a half dozen Il Ceppo pipes this segment, and
pardon me if I repeat myself in saying what an underrated pipe
it is. They consistently have some of the finest grained
sandblasts in the field. They use top notch, well aged briar and
are made and overseen by just one artisan, Franco Rossi. The
problem? Possibly the name, which may suggest "cheap" to
some (it simply refers to the briar burl from which pipes are
made) or the unfortunately large, and to some reversed "C"
logo on the stem. In any case, My thumb fits into this bowl.
5.9" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 70 grams. Price: $275.

Castello Collection K from 40th Year #1224160

There are at least two unusual aspects to this pipe, from my
vantage. One is that for a Collection grade, the grain is very
mediocre, although the briar is exceedingly clean...I'll grant that.
Next is the perspex stem, which has no logo on it. On a new
pipe, it's unlikely to be a replacement ..why would someone put
this stem on, given the opportunity to put on something else?
5.95" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 55 grams. New. $365

La Rocca #424163 JJ

This pipe is unsmoked & at the price at which I am offering it,
I don't know where you could fine a better value for that spare
pipe that stays in the car, or the tackle box or sport jacket
pocket. La Rocca has been around a long time as a very solid
pipe co. It's a Grp. 5 with a wide-open draw and ebonite stem.
The walls are thick, the blast not at all bad. New.
5.8" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 55 grams. $24.95

Il Duca C3 #218132



	.

It is hardest to get straight grain on a Billiard, so this starts off
being a fairly rare pipe. That slight forward cant of the bowl
gives it extra panache. The draw is wide-open and the
uncoated chamber add to the desirability, at least in my eyes,
as does the brindle stem. New.
6 1/4" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 46 grams. $410.

Savinelli Autograph 4 #1214144 (SOLD 7/26/18)

The left and right profile views throw you off, don't they. One side
is a beautiful blast, and the other shows great flame grain
(and some sandblast). Although this is a Grp. 7 in size, it seems
quite light for its bulk, suggesting well aged/cured briar. The cond.
is exc., although the logo on the stem is partially buffed off.
Ever notice that Savinelli is almost the only premium Italian pipe
maker that works primarily with vulcanite stems? The draw is open
& despite the curved shank & stem, the pipe sits up. Used.
6" long, bowl 2.5" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. $75.

Castello 4K Sea Rock Briar #424193LW

The condition of the bowl, rim and chamber are very good; there

are a number of very shallow tooth marks on the bottom of the
stem, which I can polish and reduce, if not eliminate. The draw is
open and the pipe is a Grp. 6 size. This is an old U.S. pipe. Used.
5" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. $165.

Ser Jacopo Maxima #623-2098

Although there is plenty of room in which to grasp the bowl
without having your hand touching the silver cap, I would still be
concerned about burning myself. So you have to weigh the
Jacopo with the occasional expletive when the skin touches
heated silver.
5.9" long, bowl 2.55" tall. Weight: 2 7/8 oz., 81 grams. $395

Ser Jacopo Maxima #623-2102

Quite a comfortable size for a Maxima. it's large, and you can
wrap your hand (or at least some of its fingers) around the
bowl but it doesn't come off as an unwieldy size. The draw is
open, the draft hole on the bottom of the chamber and you can
expect the same great smoke Ser Jacopo pipes tend to provide.
6" long, bowl 2.35" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 62 grams. Price: $315

Castello 2K Collection Fiammata #623245 (RESERVED)

If the smoking quality of a pipe is strongly influenced by the briar
& construction factors like the internal turbulence of the shank/
stem tunnel, then this great piece of briar, along with a wide-
open draw should make this among the best of any collection.
5.5" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 2 5/8 oz., 73 grams. $375.

Castello Old Antiquari G #623-1193

Would you call the shape of this bowl an Egg? I'm so pleased
that photos mean I don't have to describe the way each pipe
looks, as I did when I first started on this end of the business in

1977 and my mailer consisted of nothing but words. Now, I just
have to pick great looking pipes, like this one, and show it you.
4.55" long, bowl 2.45" tall. Weight: 3 1/8 oz., 87 grams. $395

Castello Great Line Sea Rock #218225BK

Good old U.S. Castello with the diamond logo and "Carlo Scotti"

stamped on the shank. I say again, the uncoated stem, if for
no other reason, makes Castello a righteous pipe in my
opinion. Typically large Great Line size. Lucite stem. New.
6" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight:2 oz., 55 grams. $425.

2000 Castello 2K Collection Fiammata #117106AG (SOLD)

Compact for a Castello; Grp. 5 in bowl size and even smaller in
terms of length. The cond. is exc., the draw is open and the
acrylic stem is quite comfortable. Grain is good all around. Used
5.3" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. $425.

L'Anatra One Egg 42494AC

Grp. 6 size in exc. cond. & with wide-open draw and the old
stand-up duck head. With a few more smokes, the cross grain
& Bird's Eye will start popping out of this light-stained, top-grade
-briar pipe. Acrylic stem. Used.
5.9" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. $225.

Il Ceppo #623-161JJ

With the virgin stain (if there's any stain on the pipe at all)
nothing is hidden by this sandblast. The chamber is almost
large enough to fully take my thumb, and the draft hole is
where it should be, at the bottom of the bowl. Light weight, too.
6.15" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. New. $215

Il Ceppo Grade 5 #623-149JJ

you can seer. The chamber capacity is like a Group 5 in size,
and no bowl coating to deal with. New pipe.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. $345.

Castello 4K Trademark #1021198BK

For many years, the Trademark was released with a reddish
stain, most likely to cover up surface blemishes. Nothing wrong
with that, if you liked that color. As smooth finishes were nearly
impossible to get in the U.S., the Trademark sold well. Maybe
Castello's access to good briar has improved, but this is
stained with a light, almost English Tan look. On one side the
grain is quite good. This pipe is dated 1996 and has Carlo
Scotti's name stamped on it. At 4Ks, it's probably a Grp. 6 with
a wide-open draw and the old U.S. diamond logo on the stem.
5.35" long, bowl 2" (plus) tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 59 grams. $345

Becker #227166 (SOLD 8/7/18)

Grp 6 size, in exc. cond., with a wide-open draw and flat,

comfortable stem. It was made before Paolo started grading the
pipes and if I had to guess, I'd say that this was a colloboration
between father & son, as so many Beckers were. Used.
6" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 48 grams. $225.

Il Duca B1 #1112-02

Great, sharp texture in a blast full of character and interesting
things to look at while holding it. The pipe is large enough to be

at least a Grp. 5 and quite possible a Grp. 6. The draw is wide
open and the tobacco chamber is mercifully uncoated. You can
never have too many Billiards. New.
6 1/8" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 47 grams. $220.

Savinelli Autograph 8 #21806RS

Two very minor tooth marks, which I can probably buff out, on
the bottom of the stem keep this from being in exc. cond. The
draw is not only wide-open, but a pipe cleaner, with just a little
jiggle, goes right to the bottom of the well-drilled chamber. Size
I'll call a Dunhill Grp. 6, but maybe it's a bit larger. The Egg
shape of the bowl makes it very comfortable to hold, & the flat
stem does the same for the mouth. Acrylic stem. Used.
5.75" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 3 1/8 oz., 89 grams. $165

2012 Castello 2K Occhio di Pernice #623-188CO (SOLD)

This is a large pipe, Grp. 7, with the Bird's Eye quality you want
in an Occhio. The draw is open and the shape & balance allow

you to hang it from the jaw, albeit not forever. With a flat bottom
it sits up but better than that, with a crimped cleaner & a bit of a
shove, it goes to the bottom of the chamber. Unsmoked.
5.5" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 72 grams. $595.

Savinelli Autograph 4 #623136

The vast majority of level 4 among the Autograph line are sand
blast, or blast and smooth models. The all smooth versions
tend to be among the higher numbers. The band is original
and a cleaner easily passes through. Except for a little wear at
one part of the inner rim, the cond. is exc. Grp 6 size & great
feel for a big hand. Acrylic stem. The band is sterling. Used.
5.8" long, bowl 2.3" talll. Weight: 2 5/8 oz., 73 grams. $85.

2017 Castello Perla Nera 2K #89255

Although this is only a 2K, that is because, according to Marco
Parascenzo, the Castello importer, Perla Neras are not graded

like other Castello pipes. At any rate, this is a fairly large pipe
with a tall bowl (duh...I think you can see that) and would other-
wise be graded with a "G" or two. As it is new and unsmoked,
what you see is what it is. The draw is open. New.
5.6" long, bowl 2.65" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 50 grams. $525.

Castello 3K Collection Fiammata #623156 (SOLD 7/28/18)

How do you beat this as a smoking pipe? What doesn't it have
that you want? It's dated and is a year 2000 pipe. It's a Grp. 6.
The cond. is exc., The draw is wide-open & the stem flat and
comfortable. It's acrylic, of course. Used.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 46 grams. $285.

Amorelli penna di San Michele #425-032JJ

If you like the feeling of a textured finish in your hand, this pipe
delivers. The shape is very comfortable and the draw is open.
Although the carving helps keep the pipe light, it has a chamber
that is large enough to take my thumb. The stem appears to
me to be vulcanite, which is a bit unusual for an Italian pipe.
The drilling is as it should be and the bowl is uncoated. New.
5.6" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 56 grams. $245.

Ser Jacopo S2 #82887

It was the beautiful, deep sandblast that drew me to this pipe,
but it's nice that it also has a wide-open draw, is drilled right at
thumb, and yet isn't named a Maxima for the extra dollars that
brings. With just a little bent at the tip, a cleaner goes to the
bottom of the chamber. Acrylic stem. Uncoated chamber. New.
5.5" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 72 grams. $360.

Savinelli 00 Autograph #12310

All I can add to what you can already see is that this pipe's
tenon can also take a balsa insert, if you choose to use one.
If you do choose to use one, please don't tell me. The pipe is
easily a Grp. 6 and my thumb fits easily into the chamber. New.
5.7" long, bowl 2.5" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 64 grams. $725

Mimmo Provenzano #525020JJ

We acquired this pipe maker from an Italian pipe distributor
with whom we have a very good relationship. He's from
Southeast Italy (Puglia) and shows a lot of talent. This pipe is
a Grp. 4 in size (looking at Italian pipes always throws me off as
most of their pipes are just big to begin with and anything
normal looks small) has an open draw, is delightfully free of
bowl coating (do you mean there's a pipe maker who actually
listens to what the customer wants?) and with this pipe may
have worked an acrylic stem better than anything else I've
seen. This is a Grade A, whatever that means. New
5.25" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 38 grams. $245

Castello 4K Sea Rock Briar with Pi #108-313

Just another Castello, about which everything is right, with the
possible exception of its acrylic stem, and that is a matter of

personal preference. It is a Grp. 5 in size. As always, the
bowl is uncoated, allowing you, the smoker, to decide how the
pipe should taste. New.
5.45" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 64 grams. $480.

Mastro de Paja Media 4 #623026 (SOLD 6/20/18)

Large enough to be a Grp. 7, if Dunhill has that size. There's a
little residue on the rim, otherwise the cond. is exc. Is that little
band sterling? I don't know...probably, but it doesn't say. The
salient feature is the Bird's Eye grain that covers the bottom of
the pipe, indicating that the top has to be straight grain. Used.
6" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 2 5/8 oz., 75 grams. $75.

Mimmo Provenzano #122401JJ

Unquestionably a handsome, well proportioned pipe with very
good straight grain all around and handsome Birdseye on the
rim. It's probably a Grp. 4 in size, or maybe just a bit larger. A
cleaaner goes through and the hole is drilled right where it
should be on the bottom. New.
5.65" long, bowl 1.7" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 39 grams. $395.

Savinelli Autograph 4 #89148CO

At the risk of over-repitition, let me ask...if Savinelli & Castello
feel comfortable in not coating the chambers of their best pipes,
what excuses from pipe makers can bear scrutiny. This
is a Grp. 6 in size, with a light stain, a sign of clean wood. Acrylic
stem. My thumb fits into the chamber. Unsmoked.
5.55" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 66 grams. $225.

Castello 4K Sea Rock Briar with Pi #108-278

My guess, wild & stupid though it may be, is that the design on
the side of the bowl (and it is duplicated on the other side of
this carved pipe) was inspired by what is called 'branch wood,"

meaning, simply, that a branch grew out of that part of the burl,
and when it was cut off to start boiling the briar burl, its grain
pattern is that round pattern you see, that some consider to be
soft and a negative and others, like David Field, consider to be
good and hard (it comes, after all, from the outer part of the burl,
which is much harder than the interior) & attractive. I throw my
lot in with David. But enough about me. This Is a Grp. 6 in size,
has a wide-open draw and takes a cleaner easily to the
chamber. Acrylic stem. New.
5.6" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 69 grams. $480.

Castello Great Line Natural Vergin #218198BK (SOLD)

Properly large, with an inner chamber diameter of over 8/10"

accompanied by the old U.S. logo and a Carlo Scotti stamp
rather than the new "Kino" designation. The draw is wide-open
& you have the benefit of their wonderfully uncoated chamber.
What I can do, to elicit your cooperation, is to price this as
though it were a simple Sea Rock G, providing a savings of
a cool $150. Unsmoked.
6" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $465.

Castello 1K Old Sea Rock #424201LW (SOLD)

Not only is this an early enough production to have the shape #

stamped on it, but today this 1K would be a G size. I can easily
fit my thumb into the chamber. There are minor tooth indents on
the top and bottom of the stem. Open draw. Used.
5.4" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $165.

Ser Jacopo S2 #82857

Sandblast grain like this has a name...curtain grain. It is like
drapery that folds down over itself. Whether it has a name or
not, the pipe is imbued with a beautiful sandblast. The draw is
wide-open and the chamber large enough to take my thumb.
5.8" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 69 grams. $360.

Mastro de Paja 1112-011

The "3C" designation is one of Mastro's highest, and this pipe
has terrific, tight straight grain all around the bowl. Plus, it's
handsomely carved and has no odious bowl coating to impair the
quality of smoke. The draw is open & the drilling right at the
bottom of the chamber. Acrylic stem. Grp. 5. Unsmoked.
5.7" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 38 grams. $325.

Castello Old Antiquari #218216BK

Although it is carved, like a Sea Rock, the darkened top of the

bowl qualifies this as an Old Antiquari in the parlance of the
Castellos. I don't think they have the same policy today,
although I could well be wrong. Write & tell me if you know.
This pipe was not well reamed, but I'm hopeful I can improve on
that inside chamber issue. There is an "S" and no "Ks" stamped
on the pipe, and that is an indication of an early Castello
vintage. As much as it's been smoked (& apparently loved) the
overall condition is very good. Used.
5.65" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 40 grams. $125.

Castello Old Antiquare 55 #424210LW (SOLD)

The darkened rim area distinguishes this as an Old Antiquari,

despite the rusticated finish that is normally associated with the
Sea Rock. It has that original U.S. diamond logo and no "K"
size indicator. The shape #, 55, is stamped on the shank. The
draw is open. Despite some carbon residue, the inner rim of the
chamber is still pretty crisp. The nomenclature is a little buffed
down (or hand-worn down) but all is there and legible. Used.
5.25" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. $175.

Mastro Beraldi Churchwarden #821483JJ (RESERVED)

Two things...1) this is not just a small, throw-away piece of briar
that was salvaged by making a Churchwarden out of it when

nothing else could be done. It is one of a commissioned group
of fine churchwrdens, with top quality, aged briar and 2) the
stems are also top quality old stock vulcanite supplied by me
for these pipes. Stems long enough to make good quality
Churchwardens are hard to find. The line on the bottom of the
bowl is part of the plateau and is definitely not a crack. The
bowl is Grp. 4 in size. New.
9.5" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $130.

Castello "Castello" 4K #424196LW

What I find astounding about this pipe is the fact that it easily
takes a pipe cleaner to the bottom of the chamber despite a
steep and severe bend. That might suggest another fact about
this older, Carlo Scotti, piece...it has a wide-open draw/ The
cond. is very good, or even excellent if you can forgive a touch
of carbon residue on the rim. If the grain on one side of the
bowl matched the Bird's Eye on the other side, we'd have an
Occhio di Pernice. It's a Grp. 6 size. Used.
4.3" long, bowl 2.5" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. $250.

Mastro Beraldi Churchwarden #821494JJ

Another well, fully grained bowl that raises the bar for the
typicaly bland Churchwarden bowl. This pipe will appeal The
Billiard shape is enhanced with some sculpting at the bottom of
the bowl. The size is Grp. 4. New.
9.7" long, bowl 1.7" tall. Weight: 1 3/4 oz., 50 grams. $130.

Il Duca Barone 2 #89-30249

Il Duca's max Rimensi seems to have found a little niche as the

premier maker of Stacks among today's new pipe makers. I
see hardly anyone else making them. Max has made a number
of them. This sandblast has an open draw (rather requisite in a
Stack) and bending the tip of the cleaner and twisting just a
little rather miraculously lets it get to the bottom of the chamber.
5.6" long, bowl 2.65" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 45 grams. $320.

Castello "Castello" 4K #824268

Here is an interesting treatment by the pipe makers of Castello.
I think we can all see the influence of Charatan in the cup &
saucer shaping. What we see of the 'cup' exhibits a lot of
straight grain. The intricately carved 'saucer' would normally
elicit a "Pi" designation from Castello, which also means more
money, but there is no Pi stamped on the shank, so it was
presented to me, and is not presented to you, as a straight-
forward "Castello" which is, happily, a not too expensive grade of
the brand. It's a compact Grp. 5 size, with a wide-open draw
& is actually a comfortable pipe to hold. New.
5.5" long, bowl 1.85" tall. weight: 1 5/8 oz., 46 grams. $590

Radice Rind #227126

Grp 6 size in exc. cond., with the rim clean & crisp and no marks

on the stem. The chamber is large enough to take my thumb if
I squeeze it in a little. Despite being acrylic, the stem is flat
enough to make this comfortable hanging from the jaw.
Used.4.75" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. $85.

Castello 3K Sea Rock Briar 108-15

Seems like a Grp. 4, but as Castellos are fairly large, maybe it's

a bit bigger than a 4. As a new pipe, and with its classic shape,
there is not a lot to add, but if you have any questions, ask. New
5.6" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 41 grams. $325

Mastro de Paja #1214165CO

Grp. 6 in size, with thick walls, and in exc. cond., with an open
draw. To my mind, this is an exemplar of a top quality Italian
style pipe of this era...it's both attractive, well constructed (with a
crimp at the end of a cleaner, it goes through to the chamber) &
yet large and solid in all respects, including an acrylic stem that
you will not bite through. Used.
5.65" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 69 grams. $85.

Castello Sea Rock Briar Shape 74 #424221LW

Tooth marks, not deep at all, on the top and bottom of the old
U.S. stem are all that keep this pipe from being in exc. cond. The
draw is open and the inner rim of the chamber is crisp. The
shape, 74F, is stamped on the bottom of the shank, but no "Ks".
Has anyone managed to date Castello by the use of "Sea Rock
Briar," "Old Sea Rock" and any other iterations they've used to
label this finish? Used.
5.8" long, bowl 2.65" tall. Weight; 1 7/8 oz., 53 grams. $150.

Ardor Mercurio #62301

One of the more sculpted Ardors I've seen. It is also quite large,
a Grp. 7, if they have one. (The Dunhill template only goes up to
Grp. 6.) The cond. is very good, with a little carbon residue on
the inner chamber rim, but no wear. The stem is mark-free. I
was a fool to even try, but amazingly, a cleaner went right to the
bottom of the chamber with no glitch. Used
5/3" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 3 1/8 oz., 88 grams. $175.

Ser Jacopo Rowlette Maxima #925085

I was just reminded by an old time, very knowledgeable pipe
friend that "Rowlette" as a designation comes from the request
of Mark Clark, of Rowlette, TX, to have Ser Jacopo please make
a less expension version of the Castello Epoca. As a
Maxima, this is a large pipe and my thumb fits easily into the

chamber, despite thick walls. The draw is wide-open. New,
6 5/8" long, bowl 2.35" tall. Weight: 2 7/8 oz., 83 grams. $375.

Ser Jacopo Triple Maxima 3925082

here's something to consider, although I hope you don't con-
sider it until after you order and pay for this pipe: the thickness
of the chamber wall is over 1/2". That's where a lot of money

for this pipe goes. Of course, that is a particularly stupid way of
looking at it, but it is a different POV. Yes, I can fit my thumb
into the chamber of a Triple Maxima. The draw is open and
the flat bottom suitable for head bashing. New.
6.75" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 4 oz., 115 grams. $325.

Radice Rubino #1224060

Fine cross grain and excellent carving create this nifty Stack-like
pipe. I guess you can call it a Grp. 5 in size, or maybe a 6. The
draft is drilled right on the bottom of the chamber. Unsmoked.
5.45" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz, 42 grams. $215.

Castello Milano #925088

On the bottom of the silver band, it says "Milano 2015." What
the pipe is meant to commemorate I have no idea. Nor do I

know what the band's design is meant to depict, although
wheat stalks might be close. It's a Grp. 5 in size with a large
capacity bowl into which I can almost fit my thumb. The numbers
stamped on the side of the shank are 81 120, leading
me to believe that this was pipe number 81 in a run of 120.the
bowl shape is almost that of an Acorn. Very pleasing. New.
5.85" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $660

Castello 4K Natural Vergin #1224462

This size could have been declared a G. I can squeeze my
thumb into the chamber, so that has a pretty good capacity.

Yet, the walls are thick; there's a lot of bowl there. The draw is
wide open. Again I point out that if a brand like Castello doesn't
feel the need to coat their bowls, why should anyone else
perform that sin on their pipes? New.
5.5" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 65 grams. $350.

Mastro Beraldi Churchwarden #925069

Another of the custom made Churchwardens with quality briar.
The bowl size is between Grp. 3 & Grp. 4 in size, the draw is
open. The Mastro Beraldi Churchwardens were ordered
because otherwise, the options on bowl shapes and sizes for
Churchwardens are extremely limited. Plus, I had fine old
vulcanite stems, making the project feasible. Good stuff all
around. New.
9.5" long, bowl 1.65" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 48 grams. $130.

Castello 3K Collection #925094

The highly esteemed shap3 55 in a well grained Collection
grade, with a wide-open draw and a Group 4 or maybe small
Group 5 sized bowl. The pipe has an old-fashioned round
button that I have seen on a couple of new Castellos. An
interesting feature, I think. Once they get a shape down,
Castello does a very good job of it, often with slight modification.
4.95" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 47 grams. $750.

Corsellini #227211AG

This artisan brand goes back to the 1960's, and you can tell that
this is a very well crafted pipe; it has a flat, comfortable acrylic
stem and a wide-open draw. Grp 5 size & lots of straight grain.
5.4" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1 1/8 oz., 33 grams. Used. $75

Castello "Castello" G #925122

Not that I felt my stock needed another Castello shape 65, but
this pipe was too attractive to allow another dealer to get their
hands on it. The color, the fit and finish you all expect from
Castello, but the clincher for me was the quality of the cross
grain, which puts this pipe very close to what you can expect in
an Occhio di Pernice, especially the amount of Bird's Eye. I can
just about get the thicker of my two thumbs into the chamber.
5.7" long, bowl 2.35" tall. Weight: 2 5/8 oz., 75 grams. $595

Castello 4K Sea Rock Briar #424218LW (SOLD 7/7/18)

The pipe is quite large, with a chamber into which I can easily fit

my thumb. For you figure filberts (haven't heard that term in a
while, have you?) the inner chamber diameter at the rim is just
over 1". There is a minor tooth indent on the button of the stem,
but the real issue is that the shank was cracked and repaired
with a strong (or so it seems after much examination by me) glue
that you can see in the photo that shows the bottom of the
shank. It was a job well done and is nearly invisible among the
rusticated part of the shank. Open draw. Used.
5.8" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $75.

Savinelli Giubileo D'Oro #425186FT

This desirable shape in Savinelli's highest grade for traditional
shapes. The pipe is in exc. cond, light stain to exhibit the clean
wood, an open draw & construction that allows for a cleaner to
easily traverse the entire innards. My thumb fits into the bowl.
5.35" long, bowl 1.7" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 67 grams. $325.

Castello 3K Natural Vergin #90249

too, can have a piece of history....I think I'm getting carried
away here. Back to work. The draw is wide-open, the shape is
always a pleasure to hold and it is fun to watch a Vergin color
up. New.
5.55" long, bowl 1.4" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $395

2012 Castello Occhio di Pernice #8946CO (RESERVED)

A comfortable Grp. 5 in size, with, I believe, one K to its name.
other than that, what can I say about a new Castello? The draw
is wide-open, the bowl is not messed up with black stuff, the
Bird's Eye & cross grain speak for themselves. What I can do,
in concert with the person consigning this pipe, is offer it at a
very handsome, to you, price.
5.6" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 45 grams. $510.

Il Duca D Barone Morta #1112-11FT

Max is wise enough to put a lot of thought and energy into his
stemwork. That's the part that dictates how comfortable the pipe

feel, yet is often neglected for what i consider to be less
meaningful cosmetic treatments. Unlike most italians, the Il
Duca stem is vulcanite, which provides a softer, more malleable
feel for the teeth. With the rarest of exceptions (perhaps two of
my pipes have acrylic stems) unless the stem is vulcanite, I'm
not interested. This pipe is Grp. 4 size with a wide-open draw.
5.4" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 40 grams. $275.

2016 Castello 4K "Castello" #89249

Interesting treatment in what was pretty clearly an attempt to
save the pipe from a fate that would otherwise have been
determined by a cosmetically compromised shank. In true
Castello hubris, rather than being grateful for the 'save' and
calling this an Old Antiquari, they bumped it up a price range to
the "Castello" level. Grp. 6 or larger in size with large bowl. New
5.5" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $475

Castello G Sea Rock Briar #425-093

Not a common Castello shape, with additional unusual touches
certain number of them each year to retain the logo rights) and
the contrasting disc of a bottom. More important, the draw is
quite good. it's a big capacity bowl with thick walls. New.
4.55" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 69 grams. $450.

1989 Castello Great Line Collection #11777AG (SOLD)

Besides all the quality features you would expect are built into a

Great Line Collection, this pipe brings a beautifully manage-
open and the condition is excellent. Usual acrylic stem. Used.
5.75" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 39 grams. $325.

Il Duca Barone Morta #424160AG

Grp. 4 size bowl & chamber, but it is a short pipe, just shy of a

stubby. The cond. is excellent, if not "near new." The draw is
wide-open with the air hole right on the bottom of the chamber.
4.9" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 37 grams. Used. $150

Radice #623199 (RESERVED)

Having gone into the Radice's workshop in Cucciago a number
of times with David Field to choose pipes to import, I saw a lot
of Radice pipes, but I don't recall seeing one this well grained.
It must also be old, as it has no other nomenclature than the
Radice name & "hand made in Italy." A large bowled (Grp. 6)
Stubby in exc. cond. if not, in fact, near-new. Used.
4.9" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 66 grams. $145.

Castello Sea Rock 74 #425191

This is an older Castello, with the shape number stamped on
the bottom of the shank, as well as Carlo Scotti's name. Indeed,
it doesn't have any Ks, which may be an indicator of a true
vintage piece. What it does have is an "F" stamped on it, and
I can't find any reference to that bit of nomenclature in standard
Castello lore. Bowl & rim wear is minimal, but the person who
owned this pipe chewed not the stem so much, but the raised
button. Mostly, it's OK, but there is one deep dent on the top of
the button. If you don't bite on the button, and most of us don't,
it shouldn't be a problem. BTW, the stem does not pull out from
the ferrule, as one might suspect, but rather the entire black
acrylic piece unscrews from the shank. Old, huh? Used.
6" long, bowl 2.6" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. $135.

Castello Shape 74 Sea Rock #51874JS

There is another shape 74 Sea Rock on the page, but there are
differences. This pipe is also old enough not to have any Ks on

it, but it also does not have Carlo Scotti's name stamped on it,
soes not have a threaded ferrule (the stem works traditionally)
but it does have an "F" stamped on it, so I wonder what that
means. The cond. here is better than the one above, too...the
stem has only very minor tooth chatter and the rim is not worn.
5.85" long, bowl 2.65" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 51 grams. $150.

2017 Castello 2K "Castello" #89265

I grabbed this off the Castello table at the trade show because it
has that old jutted jaw the 55s are famous for. It also has good
grain for its simple 2K grading. The draw is wide-open and I can
fit my thumb into the chamber, so it will give a good, long smoke
4.9" long, bowl 1.5" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 41 grams. $475.

Cristom 221 B Baker Street #623108

Grp 6 size, from Thomas Cristiano, if I remember the stem logo
correctly. He didn't make the pipe (although he had been a
pipe maker with Kaywoodie in his early years) but he did have
them made in Italy and imported and distributed them. There
were some pretty good pieces too, and I bought them for my
shop in San Francisco. It is a true silver spigot, with a hand
hammered (or so it seems) decorative ferrule that also says
"221 B Baker Street" on its bottom two panels. On the bottom of
the shank it only says handmade in Italy (in Italian) and "Meliora
Cogito" which is Latin for "I think better" and may be an allusion
to Sherlock Holmes thinking better when smoking a pipe. Used.
5.85" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 51 grams. $125.

2015 Castello 2K Trademark #89260

I thought that this pipe was cool enough and different enough
to warrant offering to those of my customers who are just a bit
off center (which is most of you, I'm sorry to have to admit). It's
a bit on the stubby side, but not overly so & has the charm of
the irredeemably ugly. Not unlike your kids. Grp. 5 in size. New.
4.85" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 48 grams. $375.

Caminetto New Dear #22716

Some carbon residue on the inside of the chamber rim is about
the worst thing I can say about this pipe. It's a Grp 5 size with an
open draw and original acrylic stem with mustache. Used.
4.2" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. $85.

Castello Antiquari Great Line #1112232AG (RESERVED)

Why this is a Great Line and not just a nice Old Antiquari I
couldn't say, but, as we peddlers like to say, be prepared to pay
for the privilege. (Not really...I'll keep this quite reasonable)
The pipe is in exc. cond., and is about a Grp. 5 in size, or a tad
larger. The draw is open & because the walls are so thick the
chamber's diameter is small, but deep. You can see how nice
the blast is. Used.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. $225.

Castello Sea Rock Shape 32 #108283

This pipe goes back to Castello's days of putting Regis.
numbers on their pipes, as well, of course, as shape numbers.

There is no "K" sizing for it, and after the shape # is an "A."
also some charring on the rim, but interestingly, it is more
noticeable on the outer part. The old, and pretty clearly original
stem is in remarkably good cond., with no tooth marks. The
inner chamber is fine & the rustication is not particularly worn.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 45 grams. Used. $150.

Ardor Mercurio #42479AC

Not only is it large enough for the chamber to take my thumb, &
to have an open draw and be in exc. cond., less one spot on
the inner rim, but it is a 7 sided Panel, which I do not believe I
have encountered in my 41 years in the hobby. Used.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 48 grams. $325

Pipa Croci True 1 #623045 (SOLD 7/2/18)

One of the underrated brands in Italy, but one known for its
consistently high quality briar and excellent straight grains, as
this pipe attests despite it's relatively modest grade. It's a Grp.
6 size, & other than a little wear on the inner rim, is in exc. cond.
The thickness of the walls dictates a medium-sized chamber.
6 1/8" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 63 grams. $75.

Baldo Baldi #117266

This pipe is quite large, so I refer you to the relevant stats on
the bottom line. The rest you can see for yourself. Used.
6.5" long, bowl 3" tall. Weight: 3.5 oz., 99 grams. $395.