Aldo Velani Classica Brut 200 Rusticated Lovat Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

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.

Aldo Velani’s Classica line was certainly one reserved for classic designs, though this should be understood within the context of Italian pipe making. Classicism always has a specific referent in mind, after all, and Aldo Velani’s gestured back at the great Italian pipes of the 20th century. This one, for example, is a traditional Anglo-French Lovat, though it’s also dressed in a stony finish that evokes the old Savinelli Capri lines, for example, or even the early Castello Sea Rock finishes. Sleek and lightweight, it should make for an easy clencher, though the finish makes it plenty nice to hold onto, as well.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating, having come to us in a new old stock lot from a European shop liquidation.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.61″ / 40.89mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g