Castello 2006 Limited Edition Sea Rock Briar G Chiodo (Nail) Rusticated Dublin Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

In the world of pipes, Italy is famous for its workshops—institutions that operate at a smaller scale to factories, but in which expert artisans work tirelessly to create pipes entirely by hand. Founded in 1947 by Carlo Scotti, Castello is one of the oldest and most renowned of these workshops, and Castello pipes are often spoken of as Italy’s answer to England’s famous Dunhill pipes. Known for its equally high-grade smooth, sandblasted, and rusticated finishes, Castello’s legacy is felt not only in the continued success of the make itself, but also in the various, similarly high-end workshops founded by former Castello craftsmen, such as Caminetto, Radice, and Ascorti.

The Castello workshop does not use precious metals, such as silver, or indeed other finery, as much as other Italian workshops, though when it does, it often takes a rather unorthodox approach. For example, since at least the 2000s, Castello has put out various limited edition pipes with sterling silver adornments. Instead of being simple collars or engine-turned bands, these adornments have taken unusual forms, from owls, to chains, to vines, and, in the case of this one, nails. Officially known as the Chiodo, which is Italian for “nail,” these special pipes were limited to just 145 pieces in total and available in several of Castello’s house finishes. As can be seen on this classic Sea Rock Briar Dublin, the figure of the nail has been shaped to give the impression of having pieced the shank (don’t worry, it doesn’t) and been hammered over—almost as if the pipe was pieced back together by whatever the briar version of Dr Frankenstein is.

The condition is very good. Some minor inner rim charring and rim darkening.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.93 / 23.62mm

Bowl Depth: 1.80″ / 45.72mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g