Castello Sea Rock G Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Founded in 1947 by Carlo Scotti, Castello quickly became known for producing some of the finest smoking pipes in the world. Over the years, the people involved in making Castello pipes has changed – such as Luigi Radice and Sergio Ascorti, who developed their skills in the Cantu workshop before leaving to start Caminetto, or the handing of the reigns of the company to Francisco ‘Kino’ Coppo after Scotti’s passing – but the superlative quality of Castello pipes has not. It is not without reason that Castello is known as ‘the Italian Dunhill.’

Though, as with many Castello pipes, this one lacks a shape code stamp, it is instantly recognizable: the number 66. Castello calls it a diamond shank bent billiard, though its most defining feature—aside from the aforementioned shank—is undoubtedly its broad, bulbous bowl that leans closer to brandy, apple, or even egg shapes. This is even more evident on a “G” size grade like this one, which sets it apart from the standard 1-4 K system just below it. The pipe is dressed in Castello’s era-defining Sea Rock finish, which further contributes to its bold, brash posture. Yet, as is the case with Italian pipes writ large, this one still somehow manages to remain fairly elegant piece.

The condition is great. Some rim darkening, but not especially noticeable, and a small, superficial scratch on the smooth stamped section of the shank.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″ / 44.45mm

Weight: 2.8oz / 82g