Aldo Velani 105 Smooth Dublin Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Aldo Velani pipes are made by Cesare Barontini at the latter’s factory in Italy. Originally, Aldo Velani was conceived by Mastercraft to be a new Italian make for the American market, as all of Mastercraft’s other pipes at the time were of English or French origin. Mastercraft partnered with Barontini, and thus the Aldo Velani make was born. More recently, Aldo Velani was acquired by Mitchell Thomas, with production—still by Barontini—recommencing after 2008.

While Aldo Velani pipes have historically been factory briars for the most part, this one looks to have been made by hand. It’s not from a line I’m personally familiar with, but it may have been the case that Mastercraft or Barontini experimented with something along the lines of the Savinelli Autograph workshop, producing hand-carved pipes alongside their standard offerings. Either way, it’s a nice, large Italian-style freehand Dublin, with a swirling, acrylic mouthpiece and what looks to be an olivewood accent.

The condition is very good. Some finish fading and chamber slightly over-reamed.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″ / 44.45mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g