Paronelli (c. 1945-1950) Smooth Billiard w/ Horn Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

Paronelli is an Italian pipe company founded by Jean-Marie Alberto Paronelli in the 1940s, one that has remained within the Paronelli family ever since. Jean-Marie ultimately passed the reins to his son Antonio Paronelli, who in turn passed them to his son, Ariberto. Alberto’s brother, Alberto Paronelli, also makes the company’s Volkan brand pipes.

I was quite fascinated by this Paronelli when it landed on my desk. I have some familiarity with Paronelli pipes, especially those made by Antonio, which were very colorful, and those made by Ariberto (Paronelli) and Alberto (Volkan). This one, however, didn’t strike me as being like Antonio’s, Ariberto’s, or Alberto’s pipes. Thankfully, Ariberto was very helpful in identifying and dating it. The pipe originally came from the Paronelli Museum, where the Paronelli family display, and occasionally sell, pipes from the history of the company. This is where that pipe came from. It was made very shortly after the birth of Paronelli pipes in the 1940s, back when the company’s original owner, Jean Marie Alberto Paronelli was still running things. As a result, it not only features the classic, smaller proportions of pipes at the time, but also features a horn accent and a stem cut from pre-ban ivory.

This ancient Paronelli is also completely unsmoked. There are a few worn out fills, but nothing major. A significant piece of pipe history, commendably preserved.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.71 / 18.03mm

Bowl Depth: 1.42″ / 36.06mm

Weight: 0.8oz / 24g