Mauro Armellini Rusticated Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Armellini is something of a hidden gem in the world of Italian pipe-making. It is also a make that deserves more recognition, given the singular contributions of its namesake, Mauro Armellini, to Italian pipe history. Mauro himself began his pipe-making career at the Rossi factory in the 1960s, before it was acquired by Savinelli. Later, Mauro worked for Savinelli, where he played an instrumental role in developing many of its iconic rustication styles, such as the coveted Corallo finish. After leaving Savinelli, Mauro created his own make, Mauro Armellini. In his workshop in Barasso, in northern Italy, he crafted these pipes alongside his four daughters. After Mauro passed in 2004, his daughter Wilma took the reins of the Armellini workshop, which continues to produce hand made pipes in both traditional and modern freehand styles.

We’ve had a few Armellini pipes come through recently and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing Mauro’s interpretations of established shapes. His calabash renditions were highly unique, and though this one is a little more subdued, it’s still distinctive. With its long shank, tall, slightly egg-like bowl, and 3/4 bend, it almost looks like a take on the Dunhill LC shape. The fumed, pebble-dash rustication keeps it firmly within the Italian mold, though it’s still certainly its own thing.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and minor finish fading.

 

Details:

Length: 6.6″ / 167.6mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.69″ / 42.92mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g