Fritz & Paolo Becker (c.1983-1990) Smooth Dublin (One Heart) (M) (Estate)

For many artisans, pipe making is a family affair; Denmark is, of course, most famous for its pipe making dynasties, though such can be found elsewhere, from England, to France, to Canada and, in the case of this pipe, to Italy. The Becker family is perhaps the most famous artisan lineage in pipe history, one whose fame has been rightly earned over the last five decades.

It all began with Fritz Becker, an Austrian who fled his native land during the rise of the Third Reich, joined the Allies in their fight to retake Europe, and finally settled in Rome, Italy. Fritz was a pipe smoker, but a very particular one, and would often find himself modifying the pipes he’d bought so that they performed as well as he thought they should do. Around 1970, and after growing tired of having to tinker with every pipe he purchased, Fritz decided to simply make his own from scratch. His son Paolo was similarly enticed by the project, and in 1974, the two of them began crafting pipes together. After a few years the famous Carmignani tobacconist in Rome began carrying Fritz & Paolo’s pipes under the Carmignani name. By 1979, the Beckers’ pipes were so popular that they were able to step out from the shadow of Carmignani and sell pipes under the family name instead. Becker pipes have been an Italian institution ever since.

Today, Becker pipes are made by Federico Becker, the son of the late Paolo Becker. Federico began making pipes with his father around the late 2000s-early 2010s, though that’s a tale for another listing, as this pipe was made long before then.

Based on the nomenclature and “b” stem inlay, the pipe will have, instead, been made either by Paolo and Fritz working together, in the years between 1983 and 1990. The design is quite typical for the two, being a nicely grained, classical Dublin rendition with just a slight freehand tinge as far as shaping is concerned.

The condition is good. Minor rim darkening, some finish fading, and slight handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.57″ / 39.87mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g