Mastro de Paja 2012 Sandblasted Apple w/ Silver 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.

One thing I’ve noticed when it comes to modern Italian pipe makers is a distinct fondness for a distinctly old, distinctly non-Italian design element. That element is the “gap” between shank end and stem that originated with Peterson and its “space fitting” tenon, now found mostly on its Deluxe System pipes. It’s an interesting addition, but it works surprisingly well for the overall design, while also providing an inlet to run a cord round if you take the pipe lunting or fishing with you. Here we find it on Mastro de Paja’s contribution for the Spanish national slow smoking championship for 2012, organized by the Pipa Club de Madrid (Madrid Pipe Club).

The condition is good. Some rim charring.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.44″ / 36.57mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g