Calibano (Mastro de Paja) 111 C2 Smooth Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

The “111” was Calibano’s interpretation of a classic English bulldog, though one whose stature was closer to certain midcentury oversized renditions of the form. Looking at this one, I’m a little surprised that Mastro de Paja ultimately discontinued the Calibano make, as it is both well designed and nicely grained, with a fittingly fiery finish to properly set the latter off.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. Some minor handling marks, though nothing major.

Details:

Length: 6.3″ / 160.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.76″ / 44.70mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g