Ardor Urano Fantasy 2020 Sandblasted Bent Egg Estate Briar Pipe, 9mm, Italian Estates

Description

Like many Italian workshop brands, Ardor pipes are a family affair. The name itself is an acronym of Angelo Rovera and Dorelio Rovera, father and son pipe-makers who created the brand in 1972. The Rovera family’s history with pipes goes back much further, however, as Angelo’s own father, Francesco, had previously established the Sociedade Rovera pipe company with his brothers in 1911. All Ardor pipes are completely hand-made from briar that has been seasoned for at least 4-5 years, and the brand is noteworthy for its playful and innovative approaches to design. As a result, Ardor pipes are both quintessentially Italian, while also being somewhat different, having a style that is wholly their own.

While Ardor’s Urano series is typically one of dark stained, rusticated, there have been exceptions to this rule, though I’m not entirely certain as to the circumstances as to why. This 2020 Urano, for example, looks to be sandblasted as opposed to rusticated (which is interesting given how rarely contemporary Ardor pipes are sandblasted), and it is dressed in a stain that evokes a blasted version of the Marte, rather than the Urano’s typical near-black. It’s a little mysterious, but not unwelcome by any measure. What’s not mysterious is the Fantasy designation which, on this pipe as on all other Ardors, is used to designate pipes with ornate ferrules, mounts, or silverwork. This one has an ivory-hued ferrule and a silver faux-spigot ring.

The condition is great. There’s a little rim darkening, but nothing substantial. As another uncommon feature, this Ardor is fitted for 9mm filters as standard (as far as I understand, 9mm pipes are largely handled through the family’s RoverArt make these days). If its next owner prefers to smoke it without a filter, I’m sure an adapter would fit it just fine, though.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″ / 38.10mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g