Mastro de Paja Smooth Freehand Pickaxe Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Like Castello, Mastro de Paja holds a special place in the world of Italian high-grade pipe workshops. Founded in 1972 by Giancarlo Guidi, the MdP team was soon joined by Giannino Spadoni and Bruto Sordini with the Guidi and Spadoni at the helm of the company until 1981. Guidi then left with Sordini to found Ser Jacopo, and Sordini would later leave Ser Jacopo to found Don Carlos. Spadoni, on the other hand, stayed at MdP until he also left, after which he founded Fiamma di Re. Today, Mastro de Paja is guided by Alberto Montini, with the workshop being known for both the manufacture of some of Italy’s most admired pipes, and for having launched the careers of some of its most respected artisans.

While all Mastro de Paja pipes are handmade, it’s not often that you come across a “freehand” style pipe from the Pesaro workshop. This one is even a little reminiscent of Savinelli’s Autograph series, taking the form of a hand-shaped pickaxe with excellent grain, a typically Italian light, blonde stain, and a distinct take on the classical saddle stem.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″ / 44.45mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g