Ardor Urano XL Rusticated Dublin w/ Silver Estate Briar Pipe, 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.

This particular pipe is a perfect example of the aforementioned juxtaposition. This curiously maritime Dublin from the Roveras, with its stout, hull-like figure, would be difficult to confuse for any other maker. Its beaded stem and sterling silver faux spigot mount only furthers the pipe’s distinctiveness, giving it something of an affinity with contemporary Danish pipe makers, like Lasse Skovgaard or perhaps even Kent Rasmussen. Yet its golden tan finish, rusticated in an almost baroque fashion, gives it away as something that could only have come from the top of the Italian high-grade scene.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and a slight over-reaming of the top of the chamber.

 

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 1.12 / 28.44mm

Bowl Depth: 2.02″ / 51.30mm

Weight: 3.2oz / 92g