Mastro de Paja Ciocco Gigante 0C 1 Sun Partially Rusticated Bulldog w/ Silver Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Mastro de Paja holds a special place in the world of Italian high-grade pipe workshops. Founded in 1972 by Giancarlo Guidi, the MdP team was soon joined by Giannino Spadoni and Bruto Sordini with the Guidi and Spadoni at the helm of the company until 1981. Guidi then left with Sordini to found Ser Jacopo, and Sordini would later leave Ser Jacopo to found Don Carlos. Spadoni, on the other hand, stayed at MdP until he also left, after which he founded Fiamma di Re. Today, Mastro de Paja is guided by Alberto Montini, with the workshop being known for both the manufacture of some of Italy’s most admired pipes, and for having launched the careers of some of its most respected artisans.

The Ciocco is one of Mastro de Paja’s highest-end collections, belonging to the workshop’s “Elite” range. Such pipes come in various designs, though they’re typically rendered in Italian neoclassical forms and accented with sterling silver army mounts. This one is an oversized bent bulldog rendition, for example, belonging to the “Gigante” subseries. It is dressed in a natural, mixed finish of pebble-dash rustication and smooth polish and, as such, I would imagine that it will take on a nice, warm patina over time.

This pipe is completely unsmoked and comes with its original box.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 24.38mm

Bowl Depth: 1.77″ / 44.95mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g