Castello “Castello” KK Smooth Apple 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 shape “23” seen here is Castello’s distinct rendition of the old Anglo-French apple. It’s a more plump and rounded interpretation, with a slight forward cant that almost brings it into the territory of the Devil Anse. This one is dressed in the workshop’s signature “Castello” finish, typically taking the form of a warm, blonde stain that brings out the briar’s natural patterns. Judging by the uppercase “K” grading on this one, it will have been made some time between the late 1960s and early 1980s, before the lowercase, circled “k” system was introduced.

The condition is very good. Some minor inner rim darkening and slight handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.77 / 19.55mm

Bowl Depth: 1.6″ / 40.64mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g