Mastro de Paja Unica XXL Smooth Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

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.

The Unica series showcases Mastro de Paja pipes that are a little out of the ordinary and, as such, these pipes are either limited edition, or entirely one of one. In the case of this pipe, it is very reminiscent of the workshop’s early output and of the early “Pesaro school” aesthetic more generally, as it is a beautiful, handmade rendition of a very traditional shape—the Oom Paul. What separates it from that approach, however, is one especially notable thing: its size. A genuinely towering, near-magnum take on the Oom Paul, the pipe certainly lives up to its “Unica” designation. Expect long, uninterrupted smokes with this one—and perhaps even some leftovers to finish off the next morning.

The condition is fair. Some inner rim charring and handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6.8″ / 172.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 2.69″ / 68.32mm

Weight: 4.7oz / 136g