Gigi Red Line 455 Partially Rusticated Rhodesian Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked, 9mm

Description

Gigi pipes occupy an interesting position in the history of Italian pipe-making. The story begins with the founding of Sociedade Rovera, a pipe-making company in Varese, Italy, by the Rovera family. As members of the Rovera family left to start their own ventures, the dynasty associated with the name would be split into several companies; Angelo Rovera created Ardor with his son Dorelio; Federico created Fe.Ro; Massimilliano created Mario Rovera; Fiorenzo created Gardenesa; and Giorgio created Giorgio Rovera, along with partners Angelo and Adele Bianchi. In 1964, Luigi Crugnola, nephew of the Bianchis, took over the Giorgio Rovera make and changed its name to his own – Gigi.

This Gigi is a rather curious take on the bent Rhodesian. It features a tall bowl, not unlike Peterson’s renditions of the shape, but the shaping has a freehand feel to it. The pipe also has a half-saddle stem inlaid with its titular red line, and rustication more reminiscent of the furrows hand carved into Custom-Bilt pipes than typically Italian approaches to the finish. Nevertheless, it is an inventive and enjoyable design, not to mention highly ergonomic.

The pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It also comes with its original box and sleeve. It is chambered for 9mm, but would likely accommodate an adapter if the owner prefers to use it without one.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.8″ / 45.72mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g