Savinelli Nonpareil Sandblasted Billiard w/ Horn Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

It is probably fair to say that Savinelli is Italy’s most famous pipe brand. Founded in Milan in 1876 by Achille Savinelli, the brand has continuously offered high quality pipes for nearly 150 years. Though various Savinelli lines have come and gone over the years, the brand has always been notable for putting out classically styled pipes with a distinctly Italian twist.

Taking its name from an archaic term for “without equal,” Savinelli’s Nonpareil was one of its top-of-the-line series from the mid- to late-20th century. These pipes were distinguished by their exceptional grain, horn (or imitation horn) ferrules, and flared ebonite stems, along with two gold dots on the latter. Like the Estella and Punto Oro Corallo, Savinelli’s Nonpareil series has become a cult-favorite over the years, but unfortunately, the series shows no signs of returning. This one looks to be one of the earliest iterations of the Nonpareil, having a genuine (rather than imitation) horn ferrule, and no shape code that I was able to locate. I’m also far more used to seeing the sandblasted Nonpareils in a near-black finish, giving this gnarly, ring grain rendition even further distinction. Reminds me a little of Lee Von Erck, actually.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and finish fading, and a couple of spots of wear to the horn ferrule. As the ferrule is stabilized by a silver ring, this should not be a problem.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.64″ / 41.65mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g