italian

Castello Sea Rock #1028192KF (SOLD 12/20/11)

Besides the name and grade, the only nomenclature on the
shank of this pipe says "Made in Cantu 87/P." Well, I can't date
it, but it appears most definitely to be an early Castello. The
condition is excellent, the stem is vulcanite and the white bar
may very well be ivory. It certainly has much more than a
plastic-like luminescence.
6" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. Price: $32.

Ascorti KS #9130018TM (SOLD 10/21/11)

This might be called Black Briar, based on the stain color, so
there is no point in showing the other side of the bowl. In fact, I
can see a lot of straight grain through the black. The condition
is excellent and the draw is good. It is large, but not huge.
5.9" long, bowl 2.2" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 71 grams. Price: $75.

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

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

Pipe
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Castello Collection Fiammata #530015DS

Handsome, graceful and fairly large, with a tall bowl. The
condition here is excellent and the straight grain is thin and
tight. The pipe was made before 1987.
5.5" long, bowl 2.55" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 68 grams. $695.

Dal Fiume Straight Grain Dublin 4 Knuckles E06 #9636

Tight s/g pretty much all around, in a natural finish that would
certainly reveal flaws, if there were any. I just looked at this
pipe under a magnifying glass and noticed an "E" stamped on
the bowl. That may be a grade. I bought the pipes, as I always
do, on their intrinsic merit, rarely looking at grade. Some
people need grades to tell them what a pipe is. After this many
years in the hobby, I don't really pay much attention to that,
except as it may inform my customers. At this point, I can only
guess that an E is a high grade. We'll see as we go along.
6 3/4" long, bowl 1 7/8" high: Weight; 1.32 oz., 37.6 grams. New
Price. $375

Dal Fiume Tapered Sandblast Billiard SB 07 #9646

Again we see a ring grain sandblast. We also see an
indentation on the front of the bowl where Gabriele wisely, in
my opinion, chose to expose the natural flaw in the wood rather
than fill it in, which almost every single pipe maker does with
sandblast pipes. I prefer to see the flaw, and think it adds
character to a pipe, which putty does not. Again, small & light..

5: long, bowl 1 13/16" high: Weight; 1.14 oz., 32.4 grams. New.
Price. $195

Castello "Castello" Great Line #913280JT

A lot of Bird's Eye, with attendant cross grain, a large capacity
bowl despite thick walls and a surprisingly light heft. The
condition is excellent and the draw wide-open.
6" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. $380

Baldo Baldi Extreme Straight Grain #98570

The grain on this pipe doesn't fall off anywhere. In fact, I could
use that old Woody Allen line, "she not only has a body that
won't quit, it won't even take a coffee break." But this is not a
pipe for wimps, like me. It's big. Despite very thick walls (and a
rim that is a still-life for Bird's Eye) the bowl is easily able to
house my thumb. My price on this is criminally low. New.
Price: $2250

6 7/8" long, bowl 2.75" high. Weight: 4.25 oz., 122 grams.

Castello 3K Greatline Collection #53022DS (SOLD 1/24/12)

This is a large, solid Bulldog, fulfilling the mission that the word
bulldog suggests. The condition is excellent and there is a lot
of straight grain on this bowl. The draw is wide open and the
year of production is 2002.
6.3" long, bowl 2.6" tall. Weight: 3 1/8 oz., 88 grams. $495

Castello 4K Sea Rock #7213314

It's the spiral shank that distinguishes this from others of its ilk.
The rest you know, as it's a Castello. New. Price: $380
5.5" long, bowl 1.68" high. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 59 grams.

Castello Old Antiquari G #1225239ME

A sharp, ring grain blast top to bottom, a silver Castello ferrule,
a bowl large enough for me to easily ensconce my thumb and a
wide open draw should make this a gem of a smoke. The
condition is excellent (no stem marks) outside of a light touch of
carbon on the rim, as you can see in the photo above.
6" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. $235

Castello 4K Old Antiquari #5225327

This is such a pretty little shape, with such a comfortable feel to
it that I bought two of them. New. Price: $400
5.85" long, bowl 1.8"high. Weight: 1 1/4 oz., 37 grams.

Paolo Becker Two Club #1225078DF

I think this shape is called the Tomato, or Squashed Tomato, in
this case. it's a beautiful job, as expected, from Paolo. it is
large, and heavy and feels great in the hand when the bowl is
clutched in the fist. It sits up, and if you like, spins around
easily. My thumb fits easily into the bowl chamber.
6" long, bowl 1.45" tall. Weight: 2 7/8 oz., 83 grams. $480.

Ascorti Sabbia D'Oro #112301

The pipe is in near-new condition, so no sense in wasting
space on that. The draw is open, so no sense on wasting time
on that, either. What we're quibbling about here is how much
you like this eye-catching shape and then how much you're
willing to spring for it. My request is more than fair. Your turn.
6" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. Price: $95.

Castello 2K Old Antiquari #12186526

The blast is better on the side not photographed, although with
the value it represents in today's market, it should not matter.
The 2K size, by the way, is plenty large enough. It certainly
matches a Dunhill Group 4. New. Price: $370
5.6" long, bowl 1.5" high. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 46 grams.

Ardor Giant Giove #1028033DB

For those who like thick walls, this one comes in at nearly 3/4"
thick. Don't worry, the inner chamber diameter is still almost
1 1/8". The condition is excellent, the grain very good and the
draw wide-open. Pretty much as good as you can expect from
a pipe this size.
7.8" long, bowl 2.8" tall. Weight: 6 3/4 oz., 192 grams. $225.

Castello 2K Old Antiquari #12186525

As one of my customers noted, the Castello that was once
considered a very high, perhaps overpriced, pipe now has to be
seen as providing great value for the quality. New. Price: $370
5.6" long, bowl 1.6" high. Weight: 1.75 oz., 51 grams.

Radice Silk #514 8260

A large sandblast, into who's bowl I can insert my thumb. One
of the almost incontrovertible benefits of Italian pipes is the
access the good pipe makers have to good, large blocks of
briar. They get first, local crack of the wood and take
advantage of it. This pipe is a good example of that ability. New.
6" long, 2.2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. Price: $150

Castello Collection #1149437

I would really like to know why this is not a Fiammata. All it has,
all around, is straight grain. it's pretty small, but I do get my
index finger into the bowl. To me, it's a perfect Grp. 4 size.
5.85" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 1 1/4 oz. 36 grams. $730

Castello "Castello" 4K #1031 8889 (SOLD)

Here is, yet again, another shape 55 by Castello at a great
price. And again, there is a lot of straight grain around the
bowl, and that which is not straight is still solid. I don't think
there's a weak spot on the pipe. The rim is Bird's Eye, as you
would expect. In transit, a tiny ding was made on the outer rim.
I might be able to steam it out, but it's so small I'm inclined to
leave it. It might help you treat this like a pipe and not a
museum object. Up to you. The price remains the same.
5.4" long, bowl 1.7" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 58 grams. Price: $450

Castello 4K Old Antiquari #1031 8883

You could easily enough call this a Stack. From top to bottom
the ring grain encircles the bowl and the thin, but not
pencil-like, shank adds grace and refinement. The light weight
of the pipe lets you know how well the briar was aged. Of
course, the draw is wide open. New. Price: $335
5.9" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 1 1/4 oz., 34 grams.

Radice Silk Cut Oil Cured Twin Bore 818 8646PJ (SOLD)

This is one of those rare pieces of wood that is big enough and
good enough to be both a mantle piece as well as a
sit-in-the-armchair smoker. The blast is a scene stealer; the
chamber big enough to bury a thumb in. Not a common find.
10.5" long, bowl 3.5" tall. Weight: 4.5 oz., 126 grams. $125

Paolo Becker #9130249

I get a sense of satisfaction putting a Paolo Becker pipe as the
lead on the Italian page, as in 'the number one Italian pipe
maker should get the number one slot.' This chunky, yet
elegant Morta has thick walls, a chamber into which you can put
your thumb, yet is surprisingly light. Brindle stem & open draw.
6" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 2 5/8 oz., 74 grams. $560

Castello 3K Sea Rock #1149427

Although it doesn't have it stamped on the bottom, this is shape
#65, Castello's signature shape. Thick chamber walls, a good
draw and that comfortable hanging bend.
5" long, bowl 2.1" tall. weight: 2 1/8 oz., 61 grams. Price: $375

Castello 3K Old Antiquari Great Line #1031 9032

You can see that this is made of very hard briar, and in some
places the blast almost reminds of lava rock. As thick as are
the chamber walls (9/16" wide) the chamber still easily takes my
thumb. The draw is, of course for Castello, wide-open.
6" long, bowl 2.8" tall. Weight: 3 3/8 oz., 96 grams. $625

Castello 2K Trade Mark #1031 9054

This may have better grain than most Trade Mark level pipes
from Castello, but I consider that secondary to the compact,
attractive shape and wide-open draw of an Apple. The Apple
feels so good in the hand, as does this, with the added benefit
of being small enough to shove in a pocket and bring-along.
5.15" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 42 grams. $415.

Castello 2K Old Antiquari #1031 9060

A small, nearly perfectly sized Billiard for some of us with terrific
sandblasted ring grain, deep and visually captivating. My idea
of a great pipe. Not yours, necessarily, but certainly mine.
5.75" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1 oz., 29 grams. $335

Castello 2002 Occhio di Pernice #349944

A new pipe in Castello's signature shape 65. This is a terrific
rendering of that shape, with a fine cross-grain pattern. The
draw is wide-open and a pipe cleaner slides right to the bottom.
5.15" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. $650

Castello 1998 Pipe of the Year Sea Rock #913289JT

This unsmoked 1998 Pipe of the Year comes with its original
sleeve (different than the standard Castello glove) as well as
the original box, which is also unique to the POY. The draw is
wide open and the bowl, as always, is uncoated and virginal.
Despite a mostly smooth bowl, the pipe is called a Sea Rock.
6.4" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 62 grams. Price: $760.

Castello 4K Old Antiquari #345739

When I was learning about pipes, I was told that the number if
Ks on a rusticated Castello indicated size and on a smooth
piece they indicated grain quality. The more Ks the bigger or
better grained the pipe. This is a 4K and it is not large. it
does, however, exhibit excellent straight grain through the blast.
Plateau top, uncoated bowl & wide-open draw. All for the best.
5" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1.5 oz., 43 grams. Price: $415

Castello 2K Trademark #1149423

Good cross grain for a Trademark and a smallish (about Grp. 4)
pipe. The Billiard shape still sell the best because it is the best.
5.5" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1 1/8 oz., 32 grams. $415

Davidoff #480076GN

Davidoff may be breaking the law by bringing goods into the
U.S. without indicating country of origin. How do they get away
with that? Well, I'm going to assume that what I've always
heard is true, i.e. their pipes are made in Italy. This one is in
excellent condition. Davidoff pipes don't show up often.
5.1" long, bowl 1.9" tall. Weight: 1 3/4 oz., 48 grams. $110

Castello Collection Fiammata #53015DS

A tall bowl makes this a largish pipe, in excellent condition. I
see the "N 1" stamped on the shank and know it was hand
chosen by Leonardo Noli for Noli's in Milan. A classy pipe.
5.5" long, bowl 2.55" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 68 grams. $695

Ser Jacopo Picta 02 1225188

I have said it before and I will probably say it many times more:
the Picta series is the only series, or theme, pipe I respect.
Unlike the things that Peterson does with pipes (making a
shape and then slapping a name on it, like "Baker Street")
these Pictas represent actual pipes from paintings from Vinny
Van Gogh. Get the little booklet and you can see the painting
from which the pipe is taken. This one has a beautiful feel, with
great construction, including a wide-open draw and perhaps
the most comfortable acrylic mouthpiece I've seen.
5.7" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 39 grams. $195.

Ardor Giove "Big" #1028038 (SOLD 12/6/11)

To get Giove quality wood in a pipe this large can not be all
that easy. The "Big" designation for size is no overstatement,
as this is just shy of a "Giant." The condition is excellent, the
draw is wide-open and the wall thickness over 3/4".
6.9" long, bowl 2.45" tall. Weight: 4 3/4 oz., 134 grams. $135.

Castello Great Line #349761

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: $760

Luigi Viprati #530159SR

Larger than it looks; I can get my thumb into the chamber. You
can see the load of straight grain and the draw is wide-open.
Like all Viprati pipes, apparently, he leaves the bowl uncoated.
6" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. Price: $325

Savinelli DeLuxe EX #480238JTL (SOLD 11/22/11)

My thumb can fit into the tobacco chamber of this Extra Large
Savinelli. The draw is open and it's fair to expect the quality
smoke that Savinelli typically provides. The pipe is unsmoked.
6.4" long, bowl 2.5" tall. Weight: 2.75 oz., 78 grams. New. $75.

Paronelli Churchwarden #9130214

In so many ways, a Churchwarden is a Churchwarden, I
suppose. However, what will make these different is that most
of the Churchwardens you see are indifferently made so as to
provide nothing more than a long-stemmed pipe. The pieces
presented on this page are Paronelli made pipes, so you are
almost guaranteed top quality, well aged briar for a great smoke
11.9" long, bowl 1.65" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 70 grams. $79

Il Duca DD Barone #6270313

Graceful in the way of Dunhill 120s, with a slightly smaller curve.
The grain and the blast reveal a hard briar and the brindle
stem give it an added dimension. The chamber diameter is not
large, but the depth of the bowl will provide for a long smoke.
5.8" long, bowl 2.3" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 52 grams. $230.

Savinelli DeLuxe EX #627007JTL

There's a lot of straight grain on one side of this pipe's bowl.
The other side is open and the draw is good. This is an
unsmoked pipe, so you can break it in your way. There are
visible fills on the bowl and it is rather large, as is the EX's wont.
6" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2 1/8 oz., 60 grams. Price: $50

Gamboni #6270293

it's hard to explain, but this pipe exhibits great size an proportion
I feel confident in saying, after looking at the blast, that is was
one hard piece of briar. What you can't see is that the walls
are quite thick. One point important to mention is the short
stem, which is too short and thick to hold in the mouth, so this is
definitely a pipe for someone who holds in in their hand and not
in their mouth. The pipe is very well made and the stem
matches up perfectly regardless of how it is turned.
5.55" long, bowl 1.75" tall. Weight: 1.25 oz., 37 grams. $175

Il Duca DD Barone #6270315

The blast is not pronounced and the stain gives it a dull look,
but the construction and superb stem work can easily win you
over. The exotic wood trim gives it an elegant touch and you
know that Max's attention provides an open draw.
5.7" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 40 grams. Price: $230.

Gamboni #6270297

A good, clean version of a Lumberman with a blast that
illuminates hard briar with good grain. The narrow stem
complements the thin shank and the green, bowling ball stem is
much more muted in person, the color evidently getting
exaggerated by the light needed to photograph the black pipe.
5.5" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 1/4 oz., 36 grams. $175.

Il Duca 3 D Barone #6270305

The blast reveals terrific grain and the uncoated bowl reveals
anything you might want to see regarding the quality of the
briar. No secrets covered up by charcoal here. Thus, you can
break it in to suit your taste, not some neutral, boring taste
dictated by an impregnable bowl coating. The stem button has
that round, old-timey construction. The pipe is a Grp. 4 in size.
5.25" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1 1/4 oz., 37 grams. $290.

Paolo Becker 4 Club #9130270

A beautifully rendered version of a Cutty by Paolo, with what
certainly must be a combination carved and blasted briar. The
double banded trim on the shank adds lightness to the dark
stain and brindle stem. Of course it has an open draw.
6.25" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 45 grams. $760.

Cavicchi 4 C #1225033EM

This "Churchwarden" shaped pipe as indicated by the 'foot'
under the beautifully cross-grained bowl. The nearly virgin
color shows how clean the briar is and the draw is wide open.
the condition is excellent.
6" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 1 7/8 oz., 49 grams. $235.

Paolo Becker Two Club Giant #9130265

Not just beautiful, but big and beautiful, with a bowl height just
short of 3" tall. Paolo is mostly known for the most refined
pipes made in Italy, and for the most part, that means relatively
small, but he can apply his skill for the Extral Large man, too.
6.5" long, bowl 2.7" tall. Weight: 4 3/4 oz., 134 grams. $520.

Paolo Becker 3Club Strawberry #1225074DF(SOLD 1/24/12)

I have one of Paolo's "Strawberry" wood pipes and I have seen
the blocks in the raw, as well, and in neither case can you
distinguish it from our old "briar." it smokes great. Here's a
large version (mine is much smaller) with a chamber large
enough into which to fit my thumb. it's at least a Grp. 6 in size.
6" long, bowl 2.75" tall. Weight: 3 1/8 oz., 87 grams. $535.

Paolo Becker 2 Club Giant #9130260

Paolo knows how to develop a deep, sharp sandblast, as
evidenced in this large Dublin. The bowl is complemented by
the thick walls and the smooth, brown rim and reddish brown of
the brindle stem. The draw is, of course, wide open.
6.8" long, bowl 2.6" tall. Weight: 3 7/8 oz., 109 grams. $520.

Paolo Becker 2 Club #9130241

This is a large pipe and probably just missed getting stamped
with a "G" for Giant. Certainly my thumb fits easily into the
chamber. The blast is typically deep and sharp, a signature of
Paolo's work. The draw is also expectedly fully open.
6.7" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 3 oz., 65 grams. Price: $595.

Ardor Urano Signature 2003 #913DB (SOLD 1/2/12)

This pipe is just shy of being a Giant. Take a look at the pipe's
length. It does, however have the Dorelio Rovera signature on
the shank. The condition is excellent with an open draw.
8" long, bowl 2.5" tall. Weight: 3 3/8 oz., 96 grams. $125.

Jacono Knight #1123080 (SOLD 1/7/11)

Sorry for just the one shot, but you don't need any more. It's a
rusticated pipe so the other side looks just like this one, and as
for condition, the pipe is brand new. I'll go so far as to let you
know that the bowl rim is smooth and brown.
5.8" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 47 grams. $115.

Ardor Giant Mercurio 9130147DB (SOLD 1/26/12)

Of the Giants posted this session, this is the heaviest and there
is enough wood to make this a serious weapon were to to be
used by someone other than a pacific pipe smoker. The
condition is excellent and the draw is open.
7.8" long, bowl 3" tall. Weight: 9 oz., 256 grams. Price: $210

Ser Jacopo #1028199GN (SOLD 11/26/11)

On a lark, I grabbed a pipe cleaner to see what would happen.
It went straight through the stem & shank and right to the
bottom of the bow. (Did it easily 2 out of 3 times.) The
condition is excellent. It's an old model, judging from the logo.
5.5" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 2 oz., 57 grams. Price: $50.

Radice Rubino #1028194KF (SOLD)

Although the stem is thick and rounded, you can hold this pipe
in your mouth because the button is nicely defined and solid.
The rest of it you can pretty much see for yourself, including
the fact that the bowl is uncoated. It's not a huge pipe, but I
can get my thumb into the chamber. the draw is open and a
pipe cleaner certainly goes straight through. the wood is pure
Radice, so a good smoke is almost assured.
5.5" long, bowl 1.7" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 72 grams. Price: $175.

Savinelli Octavia #913011TM (SOLD 12/28/11)

Savinelli makes pretty pipes; pretty, that is, to catch the eye of
the person that walks into a pipe show. This Octavia (named
for the 8 sides to the bowl) fits that description with the
complementing browns on stem and bowl and the soft ivory
looking stem trim. This one is unsmoked and can take a balsa
filter, if you choose, or not if your prefer to eschew impediments
to your smoking enjoyment. It's about a Grp. 4 in size.
5.5" long, bowl 1.8" tall. Weight: 1 3/4 oz., 49 grams. Price: $65.

Ser Jacopo S2 #9130168 (SOLD 12/27/11)

This Hawkbill is a bit different in that the stem has a bit of a
saddle. I think it's slightly exaggerated looking in the photo, but
it is definitely there and works just fine. The draw is wide-open
and the pipe easily takes a cleaner straight to the bowl.
5.5" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 68 grams. Price: $265

Ser Jacopo R1 #9130186

Rustication usually doesn't appeal that much to me because it
typically represents an oft repeated, uninteresting pattern.
This rustication doesn't match that description with a deep and
varying cut. Great textured feeling in the hand, too. Wide
open draw that takes a cleaner as it should.
5.4" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 2.5 oz., 70 grams. Price: $245.

Ser Jacopo Picta 4 L2 #10280068DB (SOLD 11/6/11)

For the measly few bucks we're charging, you can spring and
get this shape in the two smooth finishes that we have posted.
A thin, narrow and thus comfortable stem, an open draw and an
uncoated bowl conspire to make this a great smoker, especially
considering the aged briar that Ser Jacopo has. Let me add
that the retail on this is $495; don't rub your eyes when you see
our price...it is a bit of a fire sale by the original owner.
6.5" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 3/8 oz., 38 grams. $225.

Savinelli DeLuxe EX Shape 121 #9130175JTL (SOLD 12/3)

Besides being large, well made and unsmoked, it also had
pretty good cross grain. The draw is open and the bowl large
enough to easily take my thumb.
6.25" long, bowl 1.85" tall. Weight: 2 3/8 oz., 68 grams. $65.

Savinelli Estella Shape 604 EX #9130170GN

The bowl is tall and somewhat narrow. The stem is a green
acrylic and despite a flate bottom, the pipe does not sit up.
What is the point of that? The condition is excellent.
4.7" long, bowl 2.4" tall. Weight: 2.25 oz., 63 grams. Price: $45.

Paronelli Churchwarden #9130220

The bowl shape is on the Appley side for this well made pipe by
Italian legend Paronelli. Despite the length of the stem, the
draw is open and the diameter of the bowl will provide a longer
smoke than one usually gets in a Churchwarden.
12.25" long, bowl 1.6" tall. Weight: 2 1/4 oz., 64 grams. $79.

L'Anatra Fiammata One Egg #1028205KF (SOLD 12/22/11)

Originally, I missed seeing the "Fiammata" next to the outline of
the single egg and severely underpriced this pipe. With the
help of an eagle-eyed consignor, that has been corrected and
your opportunity to steal this pipe is gone. Hooray for us. The
condition is excellent, the draw is open and the tobacco
chamber is large enough to take my thumb. The touch of
plateau on the rim indicates that the wood comes from the
outside part of the burl, which is the best part. Towards the
center, it's too soft. The flat logo on the stem is original.
6" long, bowl 2.25" tall. Weight: 2 7/8 oz., 81 grams. $160.

Ardor Urano Giant #1028029DB (SOLD)

Almost a straight drop on this big guy. The condition is
excellent and the band is sterling.
6.2" long, bowl 2.7" tall. Weight: 6 1/8 oz., 175 grams. $165.

Caminetto Sable D'Oro #1123015 (SOLD 1/10/12)

The tobacco chamber is large enough for me to fit my thumb
into. The Sable D'Oro is a sandblast and thus a good grade or
two above their entry "Business" model. The condition is
excellent and the draw open
6.25" long, bowl 2.15" tall. Weight: 2 1/2 oz., 70 grams. $85.

Castello "Castello" 3K #1225242ME (SOLD 1/22/12)

A pipe with this pedigree and this solid pretty much speaks for
itself. OK, I'll be its spokesman for a moment. The condition is
excellent, the draw is wide open, the tobacco chamber
commodious and the walls good and thick, the stem is marc free
5.75" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 2 1/4 oz., 64 grams. $225.

Castello Sea Rock G (Pi) #1225267ME (SOLD 1/20/12)

the Pi symbol that is stamped on the shank means something
extra special, but this old bean just can't remember what it is. I
would never have forgotten anything important about a pipe in
years past. Don't come to me with any of your pipe questions...
I'm about done. Anyhow, this pipe is in very good condition,
with just a hint of wear on the rim. Also, the draw is wide open.
5.9" long, bowl 1.95" tall. Weight: 2 5/8 oz., 74 grams. $225.

Il Ceppo #1225276 (RESERVED)

For those who are diffident, and want just a great smoker at a
bargain price, Il Ceppo is one very solid way to proceed. The
condition is excellent (the carbon on the rim of a rusticated pipe
is inevitable. No wear of the briar exists. the draw is wide
open, the bowl walls thick and that discoloration of no
consequence, plus it looks worse in the photo than it does in
person. I wish I could tell you that with smoking, it will color up
evenly, and it probably will, but I just don't know.
6" long, bowl 2" tall. Weight: 1 5/8 oz., 45 grams. Price: $65.

Castello Collection K from 40th Year #1225160

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 green...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. $435