1998 Becker & Musico Sandblasted Prince Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Collaborations in the world of artisan pipes are rare, but when they do occur, the results can be quite special. Both Paolo Becker and Massimo Musicò were second-generation pipe-makers, inheriting from their fathers, Fritz Becker and Giorgio Musicò, a great talent for crafting handmade pipes. In 1990, Paolo and Massimo began making pipes together under the Becker & Musicò name, in a partnership that would last around 15 years. In the mid-2000s, Becker and Musicò disbanded, each going on to continue producing pipes in their own distinct style, and to pass on their pipe-making prowess to sons of their own.

In a world of Ser Jacopos, Caminettos, and Vipratis, it is easy to forget just how profound an impact the Anglo-French tradition had on Italian pipes. This is most evident in the factory briars of makes such as Savinelli, but it was no less the case for Becker & Musicò’s Carmigiani workshop. This prince is about as French as they come—outside of France, of course—with its slender proportions and modest dress. As it is a Becker & Musicò, the stem is ebonite, preferred by Massimo over the Lucite more commonly associated with Italian pipes, workshop or otherwise.

The condition is good. Some wear to the rim and what could either be a small, superficial nick at the rim’s edge, or simply a consequence of the sandblasted finish. Probably the latter, but I’ve adjusted the price just in case.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 0.98″ / 24.89mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g