Amorelli Busbee A Fuoco 3 Star Large Smooth Dublin (9mm) (Estate)

Just about every pipe maker stamps their name or brand on a pipe as a seal of approval for its craftsmanship. Sicily’s Salvatore Amorelli, however, went even further, by deciding that every one of his pipes would not only bear his name, but also an 18 karat gold inlay as a testament to their high quality. Since Amorelli’s founding in 1982, this “gold standard” has remained a guarantee that one is in the presence of a high-grade, handmade Italian pipe.

So-called “split stems,” i.e., pipe mouthpieces comprised of two interlocked materials, have been an interesting development in the contemporary artisan scene. Such mouthpieces are typically rather short, as the decorative materials used to accent them are, after all, even more durable than the acrylic or ebonite they’re paired with. Amorelli’s “Busbee” (also known as “Busby”) series, on the other hand, has been known to take a different and very unique approach. Their split stems are of a similar composition to other artisan creations, with the accenting material forming a “U” shape around the mouthpiece itself, but the former are much longer than is typical, and are curved in ways that seem like they should not be possible. But they are possible, owing to a special technique that treats Amorelli mouthpieces using heat and water—putting them a fuoco—allowing them to be bent and take on extraordinary forms. Such was the case for this beautiful, straight grain Amorelli freehand, with a trumpeting stature that would probably have looked a little odd if its mouthpiece did not follow the same curvature of the bowl. But, as it is an Amorelli, that figure was able to be properly realized, resulting in the impressive and distinctive work of artisanry we find before us.

The condition is great. Minor inner rim darkening and handling marks. This pipe is chambered to accommodate 9mm filters if desired.

Details:

Length: 6.9″ / 175.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.96 / 24.38mm

Bowl Depth: 2.54″ / 64.51mm

Weight: 3.3oz / 94g