Aldo Velani Ultima Smooth Diamond Shank Billiard 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.

As is often the case for established makes, Aldo Velani’s Ultima line has gone through several iterations over the decades, with designs varying by year. This one is especially nice, and appears to be from the same line as another Ultima we had in recently, though in a lighter (and presumably higher grade) finish. Featuring a warm, brown sugar stain over flame grain, as well as a two tone metal collar, the pipe has a very classy look to it. The shaping is very distinctive, too, with a conventional billiard bowl subtly transitioning into a diamond shank and stem, in a manner not entirely unlike some of the great English makes.

The condition is very good. Very minor rim darkening and a few scratches around the bowl.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.83″ / 46.48mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g