Years ago, I first saw Gamboni (Gian Maria is his first name) at the Chicago pipe show; I’m sure it was his first foray into the U.S. market. I did buy some of his pipes for my site, and in telling this to Paolo Becker, I also related that Gamboni lived in Rome. He’s not Roman Paolo told me. No way, with that accent. Well, I said, that’s what he told me. I could understand some Italian, but couldn’t discern one regional accent from another. Turns out Paolo was right…Gamboni lived in Rome, but was born and raised in Florence. As of 2020, according to Pipedia, he was still making pipes although working full-time as an engineer. I hope he continues to make his fine pipes for the world. This piece is a sandblast, as the Putting Green label indicates. It is in excellent condition, with a vulcanite stem and wide-open draw. It’s Grp. 5 size, or even a bit larger, although the chamber is not particularly wide. The shape seems to combine elements of an Apple and an Egg. Very comfortable in the mouth. Used.
5.3” long, bowl 1.9” tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 39 grams.