Armorelli 3 Star Smooth Canadian Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Just about every pipe-maker stamps their name or brand on a pipe as a seal of approval for its craftsmanship. Sicily’s Salvatore Amorelli, however, went even further, by deciding that every one of his pipes would not only bear his name, but also an 18 karat gold inlay as a testament to their high quality. Since Amorelli’s founding in 1982, this “gold standard” has remained a guarantee that one is in the presence of a high-grade, handmade, Italian pipe.

Amorelli pipes are graded using a system of “star” (Italian: stelle) stamps, ranging from one star—the lowest—to five stars—the highest. But, when you look at a three star grade like this one, you’ll see just how serious the workshop is about quality. The straight grain on its bowl is extremely tight, with patterns colloquially known as “angel hair” draped over its sides. This vertical patterning of the briar is only interrupted by the ring and streams of birds-eye grain running along the pipe’s rim and the top and bottom of its shank. Make no mistake: those three stars were earned.

Clearly the pipe’s previous owner appreciated it, too, as the condition is great. Some very slight finish fading on the rim and very minor handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.89 / 22.60mm

Bowl Depth: 1.82″ / 46.22mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g