Aldo Velani Ultima D 52 Smooth Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

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.

Upon first glance, this rather large piece from Italy’s Aldo Velani reminded me of Peterson and their House Pipe line, and more specifically its Oom Paul, or Hungarian, models. But closer inspection reveals the pipe to be far more distinctive in its shaping. While Peterson’s Oom Paul House Pipe sticks close to tradition, this one opts for a more bulbous, palm-filling brandy bowl, giving its flame grain even more room to swirl about under its ruby red finish.

The condition is very good. Minor wear to the rim, some slight scratches on the silver collar, and a small patch of faded finish on the underside of the shank

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.95″ / 49.53mm

Weight: 2.8oz / 80g