Lorenzo Elba Imperia 8658 Rusticated Bullcap Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

The history of Lorenzo is a long and somewhat complicated one. In 1900, two brothers from Varese, Italy, established the “Fratelli Lana” company, through which they produced briar pipes bearing that name. Fratelli Lana enjoyed considerable success both in Italy and abroad, thanks in no small part to a partnership with the Tagliabue family from Milan. After the Second World War, Fratelli Lana was taken over by the Tagliabue family, headed by Lorenzo Tagliabue, who ultimately changed the name of the make to “Lorenzo.” Lorenzo not only changed the name, but the production standards of Lorenzo pipes, aiming to produce pipes on par with those of the great Italian post-war makes, such as Castello. In 1987, Lorenzo Tagliabue passed away, and in 1988, the Aliverti family acquired Lorenzo.

Though it takes its name from an island off the coast of Italian and though it is dressed in a thoroughly Italian, stony rusticated finish, there is something a little “American” about this Elba from Lorenzo. With its squat and stout stature it is evocative of the “bullcap” Rhodesian shapes found in early 20th century makes such as LHS, or Custom-Bilt (the latter especially, given the finishing). You might say it brings together the best of both worlds in that regard, certainly when factoring in the wide, thick-walled chamber that should make this one a real “freight train” smoker.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim darkening and similarly minor finish fading.

Details:

Length: 5.7″ / 144.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.93 / 23.62mm

Bowl Depth: 1.17″ / 29.71mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g