Calibano (Mastro de Paja) 123 C3 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.

As with many of the Calibano pipes that we’ve had come through lately, this one is decidedly English, and I would not be surprised if it wasn’t something of an homage in that vein. With its deep, red finish, stout figure and slightly squat bowl, it’s quite reminiscent of an early Dunhill LB, for example—and it certainly wouldn’t be the first time that particular design was subject to a loving tribute.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. Some very slight, superficial scratches on the bowl, though nothing major.

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.63″ / 41.40mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g