Mastro De Paja Unica Partially Rusticated Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Like Castello, 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.

Though Mastro de Paja’s pipes are all hand made, their “Unica” pipes are, as the name implies, more unique offerings from the Italian workshop. This one, for example, is a partially rusticated brandy, with these sections almost appearing to “erupt” from the briar itself. The pipe also features a split ferrule comprised of acrylic, briar, and what appears to be some kind of mineral. The latter is a colorful inclusion, though a subtle one.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening and a few handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.66″ / 42.16mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g