Ardor (2024) Urano Fantasy Rusticated Author with Silver (Estate)

Like many Italian workshop brands, Ardor pipes are a family affair. The name itself is an acronym of Angelo Rovera and Dorelio Rovera, father and son pipe makers who created the brand in 1972. The Rovera family’s history with pipes goes back much further, however, as Angelo’s own father, Francesco, had previously established the Sociedade Rovera pipe company with his brothers in 1911. All Ardor pipes are completely hand-made from briar that has been seasoned for at least 4-5 years, and the brand is noteworthy for its playful and innovative approaches to design. As a result, Ardor pipes are both quintessentially Italian, while also being somewhat different, having a style that is wholly their own.

Though these days the “Fantasy” subseries is firmly established in Ardor’s portfolio, it is, all things considered, a relatively new addition to the make’s design language. It was introduced not by Angelo or Dorelio Rovera, but by Damiano Rovera, Dorelio’s son after he joined his family in their workshop, and before that, the aesthetics of the Fantasy belonged to Damiano’s own brand of pipes, made under his full name. I mention such because this particular Ardor came from Damiano’s own hands, which I found somewhat noteworthy given that it is an example of the Fantasy in action. As for what the Fantasy is, it’s the use of sterling silver and colorful Lucite to accent the work, seen here in the pipe’s bright band and ivory-like ferrule and mouthpiece. As for the stony Urano finish on the bowl, on the other hand, that’s something that was passed down from Damiano’s father and grandfather in their many years of making fine Italian pipes.

The condition is great. Minor inner rim darkening. This pipe comes with its original box and sleeve.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.86 / 21.84mm

Bowl Depth: 1.47″ / 37.33mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g