italian

Pulvers' Prior Briar
P.O. Box 85
Los Altos, CA 94022

Phone
650-965-4773
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.

Cavicchi 5 C 3 210236TT

The little carbon residue that remains on the rim might easily
buff off; regardless, there is no wear on that inner rim & the
pipe is in all-around crisp condition. The draw is wide-open &
the size is Grp. 6. I should be able to recognize the wood that is
used as a shank trim, but I'm glitching at the moment (I need a
course in recognizing various woods). Used.
5.75" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. $225.

Proietti #52950

Once again Proietti produces an Italian pipe with a traditional
vulcanite stem and a wide-open draw. A cleaner easily passes
through to the chamber bottom, where the draft hole is properly
placed. It's a Grp. 4 size & a close look at the blast reveals tight,
hard straight grain. New.
5.7" long, bowl 1.65" tall. Weight: 1 1/8 oz., 31 grams. $125.

Il Ceppo #1123171JJ

Grp. 6 size with beautiful ring grain blast. A pipe cleaner flows
through the stem and shank easily. The draw is open & the
hole is right at the bottom of the chamber. The band does not
say it is sterling, but it is tarnishing, so maybe it is. That would
account for the steep increase in price over the same grade
but without a band. In Europe, the addition of a band adds
abut $100 to the price of a pipe. New.
5.4" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 53 grams. $175.

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 Collection Occhio di Pernice #52981(SOLD 8/20/19)

This is Castello's signature shape, the 65, although no longer
stamped on the pipes, which I think is unfortunate. This Grp. 5 is
in exc. cond. The draw is open & with just a little twist a pipe
cleaner goes to the bottom of the bowl. Used.
5.2" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 51 grams. $275.

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" #45-146

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, $965.

Castello Old Antiquari #714173 (SOLD 8/22/19)

Not only is this pipe in near-new condition, it is also quite old.
There is a Reg. # on the shank, and no Ks, but rather the
two capital letters "SK." It's an Old Antiquari rather than a Sea
Rock because of the rim treatment. Today this would probably
rate a G as a Giant. Shape # 33 is stamped on the shank. Used
5.35" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 54 grams. $165.

Savinelli Autograph 0 #714210AG

A lot of the incoming requests from customers center on getting
a high grade pipe, but for an amount that they can afford. Here
is that opportunity...one of Savinelli's rare, top three grades,
always highly coveted. It's a Grp. 6 in size, in exc. cond. with a
tenon that can, if wanted, take a 6mm filter or the Savinelli
Balsa filter. Let me know if you want a pack thrown in. Used.
6"long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. $250.

Savinelli Churchwarden #21008

The bowl is a Grp. 4 size, the draw is open & the chamber walls
are plenty thick enough to do the job. New.
10 5/8" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 40 grams. $65.

Il Duca C3 #45-132



	.

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. $245.

Proietti #52914JJ

Not quite a Becker-like Spaghetto shank, but a handsomely thin
pencil shank on a Grp. 3 size Billiard. The draw is wide-open & the
unusual, even unique, color of the stem deserves notice. New.
5.2" long, bowl 1.65" tall. Weight: 3/4 oz., 20 grams. $135.

Castello 2K Great Line Collection #52986

A Grp. 6 size in excellent cond, with just a little carbon residue on
the rim (it could probably be scrubbed off by someone a bit
diligent...not me) but no sign of wear at all. The draw is
wide-open & a cleaner glides through to the chamber. You can
see the straight grain is good all around. Made in 2007. Used.
6" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz, 53 grams. $310.

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 Shape 93 Sea Rock #714120

The "SC" stamped on the bottom of the pipe indicates that the

pipe was made from the late 50's to the mid 60's. Those letters
gave the size of the pipe, thus no Ks on the early Castellos. In
this case it's about a Grp. 3, although with a deep bowl the
capacity probably equals a Grp. 4. The pipe is like new. Used.
5.2" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.25 oz., 34 grams. $165.

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 #415-225BK

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.

Savinelli Punto Oro #71495

Shape #1014KS (making it a Grp. 5 size) with crisp bowl rim &
mark-free stem. The blast reveals a hard briar. Does hard
briar mean, all things being equal, which they never are, a
better smoke than soft briar? No idea. Certainly this is a more
than reputable pipe...the top of Savinelli's chain if you can ex-
clude the extraneous factor of cosmetics (grain pattern). Used.
5.8" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 41 grams. $75.

L'Anatra One Egg 529-94AC

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. $195.

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 #714-203

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. $295

Il Ceppo 4 #21067

Retail is interesting, which is a kinder way of saying it is often
frustrating and vexing. That customers have minds of their own is
a good thing...I'm glad of it. But it is also part of my job to figure
out what it is that the customer wants and get it for him...in this
regard I'm a little weak. An example of that are the Il Ceppo pipes
on this site. They are priced at approx. wholesale, & regardless
of relative value, they have to be more appealing (or so I would
think) than a new brand with no history that sells at twice the
price. Yet, they sit and sit. The message has to be that people
do not want them, and they are most definitely entitled not to
want them...but I would like to know why because it's not quality,
price or brand history. This Grp. 5 would retail @ $430. New.
5.55" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1 3/4 oz., 50 grams. $225.

Cavicchi 5 C #714 216TT (SOLD 10/9/19)

You should know by now that Claudio Cavicchi ix extremely
conservative when grading his pipes. Thus, this pipe meets all
the criteria for his next to highest grade, 5 Cs. Aside from a
little carbon residue, which is to be expected on a used pipe with
a plateau rim, the condition is excellent throughout. Grp. 6 size.
6 1/4" long, bowl 2.1" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 66 grams. $195

Castello Collection Fiammata #112356PH

Clearly, the real deal, going back to Carlo Scotti's time as
proprietor of the little factory. Sure, there's a little carbon
residue on the plateau rim, but the pipe is in exc. cond. And a
cleaner with a crimped tip goes right to the chamber bottom.
5.2" long, bowl 2.5" tall. Weight: 2 58 oz., 73 grams. Used. $375

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.

Savinelli Punto Oro #821102 (SOLD...I Think)

I'm not a fan of Savinelli pipes, although I'll concede that, with
their buying power, they probably have access to the best briar
in Italy. I do, however, admire their classic shapes, and most
especially in sandblast finish. This qualifies. Shape 111KS,
meaning "King Size," meaning about Grp. 5. It's in very good
condition, with some very minor tooth marks on the top of the
stem and even less significant chatter on the bottom. The draw
is wide open, and I apologize for the hazy photo on the bottom...
don't blame the pipe for that. The blurry side actually has a
better blast than the other side. Used.
5.7" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. $75.

Il Duca 3D Barone Morta #1123295AC

Handsome Grp 4 size Bulldog. I imagine that it's not easy to
carve Morta and so most of the shapes I see are rather less
ambitious in shape than is this pipe. The draw is open & the
condition is near-new. Used.
4.8" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 45 grams. $225.

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.

Don Carlos One Note #71454 (SOLD 8/23/19)

So beautifully executed, so classic, so clean. With very good
straight grain, too. With just the touch of carbon residue on the
inner rim, it's in very good cond. There are no tooth marks on
the stem & the draw is open. Tastes like Latakia, so no
aromatic ghosts to deal with. Grp. 5 size. Used.
5.7" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 48 grams. $110.

Jacono Queen #714201TT

How do you beat this...a fine, established name, with such
superb briar and grain against the high prices of new, barely
established pipe makers, with the price/value edge going to the
older brand? The draw is wide-open and the walls of the pipe
are over 1/2" thick. Still, the chamber is large enough for my
thumb. The stem is acrylic. Grp. 7 size. (i.e., large.) New.
6" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 67 grams. $225.

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.

Mastro de Paja #714207TT

I can't go so far as to say that this long, deep bent pipe can take

a cleaner straight through, but more importantly it does have an
open draw. As it looks in the picture, it does have a tall bowl &
the rustication suits the style quite well, with a big part of the
hand getting the pleasure of the textured feel. Unsmoked.
6.5" long, bowl 2.55" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 68 grams. $125.

Castello Old Sea Rock Briar #82119 (SOLD 8/31/18)

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

stamped on it, but it also has a Reg. #. No Ks, but an SK, which
puts it from the late 50's to the mid 1960's. (I think.) It's large
enough to earn a "G" today and the draw is open. There are two
negligible tooth marks on the stem...I can probably remove them.
5.7" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 61 grams. Used. $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 (SOLD)

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.

Ser Jacopo L1 #714129TT (SOLD)

Even for an Italian pipe this is large, like a Grp. 7 if such a thing

exists. The cond. is excellent, but the old red dot logo on the
stem fell out, so I had it replaced with what was available, which
turned out to be a dark brown dot. Needless to say, this will
have less than no impact on the legendarily smooth smoking
quality of these old Ser Jacopos. The draw is wide-open, a
cleaner goes right to the bottom of a well drilled airhole and the
chamber is large enough to take my thumb. Used.
6" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 63 grams. $65.

Savinelli Punto Oro #71484 (SOLD 8/30/19)

The pipe is graced with a blast that is deep enough to show off
a lot of ring grain from top of bowl to bottom, still the most
appealing feature might be the very flat, thin stem at the button.
To some, no other sign indicates a comfortable smoke as well
as this. It is a vulcanite stem and the draw is open. Savinelli
has designated this as a "KS" (King Size) pipe and it is a Grp. 5.
More often than not, it seems, Savinelli provides exceptional
pipes in the Punto Oro grade, able to compete with the best in
classic, traditional shapes and finishes. Exc. Cond. Used.
5.7" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1 oz., 28 grams. $75.

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.

2002 Castello 4K Collection #714166 (SOLD)

This is a 4K, 2002 Shape 55 Collection with adornments such
as the briar extension and the spiral shank. The pipe is in
excellent condition with an open draw. My thumb does fit into
the chamber. Used.
5.5" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $245.

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

Savinelli Punto Oro #71479

Attempting to describe this pipe tongue-ties me because it is
such a fine example of a large (Grp. 5) classic 1/2 bent and as
you can see it for yourself, there is not much to add. The draw
is wide-open and the condition is excellent. Vulcanite stem.
5.6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 48 grams. Used. $75.

Castello 3K Sea Rock Briar 108-15 (SOLD 8/2/19)

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

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.

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 3725082

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 #210-060

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 #210-462

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.

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

Radice Clear G #82127 (SOLD 8/28/18)

This fairly large (Grp. 6 size) curved Bulldog is in exc. cond., but
it appears to have a replacement stem, although this new stem is
also acrylic and perfectly fine and except for the missing logo,
indistinguishable from an original. The draw is open. Used.
5.9" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 64 grams. $65.

Il Ceppo Grade 1 #21091

Is there a dearth of straight Bulldogs? Mostly I see the bent
variety. This is fairly large...a Grp. 6 size, with acrylic stem & a
wide-open draw. New
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 63 grams. $145.

Castello 3K Natural Vergin #90249 (SOLD)

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

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.

Castello 3K Collection #714134 (SOLD 8/16/19)

Truly, when I looked at the briar, I knew (or rather, I know) that,
as the pipe whisperer, this patina indicates a superior smoke,
even for a Castello. But, just now, as I pick it up, the special
feel/comfort adds to this pipe's worth. Of course the draw is
wide-open and a pipe cleaner flows through easily. Grp. 5. Used
4.9" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 51 grams. $250.

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.

Radice Underwood #52972TT (SOLD)

What company started this finish? Was it Caminetto? If so,then
it was likely Luigi Radice that produced it. This version shows

carbon residue on the rim, but no tooth marks on the stem & no
signs of wear. The draw is wide-open. It's Grp. 5 size.
Used.5.45" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 44 grams. $95.

Cavicchi 3 C #714192TT

Grp. 6 size in exc. cond., with a wide-open draw and Caludio
Cavicchi's great briar. How could this not smoke great? The
straight grain all around the bowl could command a higher
grade, but it's true that the grain is not as dramatic as a lot of
his more highly graded pipes. He typically undergrades. Used.
6" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 56 grams. $195.

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.

Proietti #52945

Here is an Italina pipe maker that clearly prefers to use vulcanite
over acrylic. Probably because he thinks it's more comfortable.
I say that because it is obvious that his pipes are designed with
a wide-open draw, too. The size for this pipe is a Grp. 4 that
might be on the small side. The versions of Proietti pipes here
are either classic shapes or minor variations. The big, bulky
standard Italian style is not for him. Neither are high prices.New.
5.5" long, bowl 1.55" tall. Weight: 1 1/8 oz., 32 grams. $135.

Baldo Baldi #714-43

Rather spectacular. The grain quality you can see, so I don't
need to expound on that. The size is less easy to detect so here
goes...see how thick the bowl walls are? Well, despite that,
my thumb easily fits into the chamber. There are some light
scratches on the surface of the bowl, and someone must have
been testing it out, without lighting it, because there's a tooth
indent on the top of the stem.The drawer is open. New.
6 1/8" long, bowl 2.7" tall. Weight: 4 7/8 oz., 137 grams. $2250.

Ardor Mercurio #529-79AC

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. $295

Mastro de Paja Unica #82332TT

Among the pipes I see rarely, long shanks must be at the top of

the list. Cutting quickly to the crux, the shank here is 5.25" long.
To show that it is not a spliced shank, Mastro made the top of
the shank smooth. Hence, it is a Unica, a rare Mastro grade.
On top of that, the cond. is near-new. The draw is open. Used.
8 5/8" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 53 grams. $250.

Proietti #52907JJ

Virgin finishes are always prized. This is an appealing Grp. 3
with a brindle stem the colors of which you can describe better
than I. The draw is wide-open & the unstained bowl is remark-
ably free of pits or flaws. (Not perfect, but nearly so.) New.
5.3" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1 oz., 29 grams. $145.

Il Ceppo #1123161JJ

Does any pipe maker match the Il Ceppo sandblasts for con-
sistently deep and character-laden blasts? No. This easy to
hold bent Apple fits the description. It's a Grp. 5, with near-
perfect (nothing's perfect) construction, the air hole being right
on the bottom of the chamber. New.
5.75" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $145.

Castello 2K Collection #529175

This pipe with the U.S. logo is old enough so that the "Ks" are
not in the oval. But everything is in exc. cond., The draw is
open. The size is Grp. 6. It does, of course, have the Carlo
Scotti stamp and is pre 1987 40th anniversary. Used.
5.75" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 53 grams. $225.

Cavicchi Diamante #529235DB (SOLD 8/11/19)

About as nice and as nicely grained a Diamante as you can
hope for, and that is saying a lot. It's large, too. How large?
The chamber walls are 6/10" thick at their thinnest, yet I can fit
my thumb into the chamber, which has an inner diameter of
9/10" at the top. Wide-open draw, acrylic stem, uncoated
chamber (isn't Claudio Cavicchi a champ for that?). New.
6.5" long, bowl 2.45" tall. Weight: 2.75 oz., 77 grams. $750.

Il Ceppo #52960 (SOLD 8/3/19)

Although somebody liked, and smoked, this pipe a lot, the
chamber is in very good condition. Even the rim isn't badly
saddled with carbon residue, although it has certainly seen
action. The pipe is stamped "Huber" meaning it was made for a
prominent pipe shop in Munich...thus it has capacity to take a
9mm filter, as do most German pipes. Grp. 6 size. Used. $45.

Savinelli Non-Pareil #714176

Group 5 size in exc. cond., with bone extension. The draw is
open and the stem is mark-free. The Non-Pareil is just below
the Giubileo D'Oro in their grading system, apparently. Used.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $75.