Aldo Velani Ultima I Smooth Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Aldo Velani pipes are made by Cesare Barontini at the latter’s factory in Italy. Originally, Aldo Velani was conceived by Mastercraft to be a new Italian make for the American market, as all of Mastercraft’s other pipes at the time were of English or French origin. Mastercraft partnered with Barontini, and thus the Aldo Velani make was born. More recently, Aldo Velani was acquired by Mitchell Thomas, with production – still by Barontini – recommencing after 2008.

As one might expect, “ultima” is an Italian term closely related to the English “ultimate,” and I’d say that’s pretty appropriate for this Aldo Velani. After doing some research, it seems that the Ultima has worn many guises over the years, and this one, to my mind, looks to be the best of them. The grain is, frankly, astonishing, to the extent that one could easily mistake it for a Charatan high-grade—especially with its Distinctionesque contrast stain.

The condition is great. Very minor handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 1.79″ / 45.46mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g