Gigi Novecento 780 Smooth Bent Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked, 9mm

Description

Gigi pipes occupy an interesting position in the history of Italian pipe-making. The story begins with the founding of Sociedade Rovera, a pipe-making company in Varese, Italy, by the Rovera family. As members of the Rovera family left to start their own ventures, the dynasty associated with the name would be split into several companies; Angelo Rovera created Ardor with his son Dorelio; Federico created Fe.Ro; Massimilliano created Mario Rovera; Fiorenzo created Gardenesa; and Giorgio created Giorgio Rovera, along with partners Angelo and Adele Bianchi. In 1964, Luigi Crugnola, nephew of the Bianchis, took over the Giorgio Rovera make and changed its name to his own – Gigi.

From my research, I found that “Novecento” is Italian for “nine hundred” and that it is a byword for the 1900s. What’s that got to do with this Gigi Novecento pipe? I’m not sure, but the style of the pipe makes me wonder if it is referring to early-20th century pipe design. This one is a traditional, quarter-bent brandy, having a good-sized bowl while also being a little shorter, more pocket-friendly than modern counterparts. The cross-grain and bird’s-eye grain patterns are just lovely, and given plenty of breathing space by the pipe’s minimalist, natural stain.

This Gigi is also completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It is chambered for 9mm filters as standard, but should accommodate a non-filter adapter of some variety if preferred.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.77 / 19.55mm

Bowl Depth: 1.66″ / 42.16mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g