Ardor Urano Partially Rusticated Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

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.

Like a few other high-grade Italian workshops, the Rovera have their own interpretation of a granular, pebble-dash rusticated finish, Ardor’s “Urano.” The broader designs paired with the Urano finish, on the other hand, are rather unique, even within Italy’s famously vast artisan pipe scene. This one, from 2019, blends a partially applied, reddish-tan variation of the Urano finish with a quite traditional—albeit also quite large—take on the Anglo-French bulldog. Ardors are rarely without a little extra by way of color, however, which this one brings by way of a swirling, coffee-toned Lucite mouthpiece and an ivory-like accent at the stem’s base.

The condition is great. Minor rim darkening.

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.84 / 21.33mm

Bowl Depth: 1.44″ / 36.57mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g