Savinelli Oscar Elite 320 KS Bent Author Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates, 6mm

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.

There is a lot to like about this particular Savinelli. One is its scarcity; the Oscar Elite is not a line that Savinelli manufactures anymore. I have my own theory as to why, with part of this connecting to my next reason. Unlike most contemporary Savinellis, the Oscar Elite has an ebonite stem, which Savinelli today reserves for their highest-grade pipes (the Elite’s successor, the currently-produced Oscar Lucite has, as can be imagined, a Lucite acrylic stem). This Elite has excellent grain patterns – which I presume contributed to its namesake – with plenty of fiery flame grain around the bowl and bird’s-eyes hiding on the base. The pipe also features a very natural, light brown stain, which accentuates its grain patterns. Finally, the pipe is a 320KS model, Savinelli’s rendition of the classic author shape, which, if I remember right, is the make’s most popular shape. Its wide bowl is perfect for ribbon cuts and mixtures, allowing a blend’s varietals to meld easily during a smoke.

The condition is great. There are one or two worn out fills, and there’s some minor, inner rim darkening, but these are superficial imperfections. The pipe is chambered for 6mm filters, such as Savinelli’s balsa filters, but can also be used without one.

 

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.92 / 23.36mm

Bowl Depth: 1.32″ / 33.52mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g