Calibano (Mastro de Paja) 107 C2 Smooth Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

I have seen many references to Calibano pipes as a Mastro de Paja “second,” and while they were made by Mastro de Paja, to call them “seconds” is not entirely accurate. Instead, Calibano was a Mastro de Paja sub brand, and specifically one through which Mastro de Paja offered something more akin to a factory pipe. In other words, while just about every Mastro de Paja pipe is handmade in the Italian workshop tradition, with the typical result being that each has been unique, Calibano pipes were made with the use of fraising machines and, as such, were offered in a roster of set shapes and finishes. It’s a little like Savinelli’s establishment of the Autograph workshop, but in reverse; instead of starting out a factory make and branching out into freehand pipes, Calibano was a case of a freehand pipe workshop branching out into factory briars.

Often these briars were more traditional in shaping than other Mastro de Paja pipes, with this one being exemplary in that regard. Taking the form of a stout billiard rendition, not too far from the old Dunhill LB, or the French Maigret, the design is as hearty as it is classic. The finish, too, is very much evocative of 20th century Anglo-French briars, with a fiery, brick red stain that complements the shape very nicely.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.86″ / 47.24mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 62g