Castello “Castello” 2K Partially Rusticated Canadian Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Founded in 1947 by Carlo Scotti, Castello quickly became known for producing some of the finest smoking pipes in the world. Over the years, the people involved in making Castello pipes has changed – such as Luigi Radice and Sergio Ascorti, who developed their skills in the Cantu workshop before leaving to start Caminetto, or the handing of the reigns of the company to Francisco ‘Kino’ Coppo after Scotti’s passing – but the superlative quality of Castello pipes has not. It is not without reason that Castello is known as ‘the Italian Dunhill.’

The “Castello” is the Castello’s signature rendition of the light, blonde finish that has come to define high-grade Italian pipes. But this 2 “k” grade “Castello” is a little different than most. The shape is a distinct one, being Castello’s number 31 hybrid of apple, cutty, and Canadian shapes, but that’s not the most interesting part. Rather, it’s the mixed finish, which is very uncommon for Castello pipes, especially when said mixing is not simply having a smooth rim on a Sea Rock (rusticated) or Old Antiquari (sandblasted) pipe. This “Castello” instead incorporates the workshop’s Sea Rock rustication into the base of the bowl and shank, giving the appearance of something “bursting out” or “erupting” from an otherwise calm and concordant form. In a way, it reminds me a little of post-Idealist German philosophy, but that’s a discussion for another time, if ever.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim darkening and some handling marks on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.66″ / 42.16mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g