Mauro Armellini Rusticated Bent Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Armellini is something of a hidden gem in the world of Italian pipe-making. It is also a make that deserves more recognition, given the singular contributions of its namesake, Mauro Armellini, to Italian pipe history. Mauro himself began his pipe-making career at the Rossi factory in the 1960s, before it was acquired by Savinelli. Later, Mauro worked for Savinelli, where he played an instrumental role in developing many of its iconic rustication styles, such as the coveted Corallo finish. After leaving Savinelli, Mauro created his own make, Mauro Armellini. In his workshop in Barasso, in northern Italy, he crafted these pipes alongside his four daughters. After Mauro passed in 2004, his daughter Wilma took the reins of the Armellini workshop, which continues to produce hand made pipes in both traditional and modern freehand styles.

Along with figures such as Carlo Scotti, it appears that Mauro Armellini was one of the pioneers of Italian rusticated pipes, so it isn’t surprising that one finds rusticated finishes in his personal portfolio. This one branches off from both the Castello style and the Savinelli style Armellini helped create, blending the stony finishes of the two with a brushed effect, creating a texture distinct from either. This, combined with an interesting mixture of brandy and Oom Paul shapes and a horn-hued acrylic accent, makes for a very interesting, very Italian pipe, that is nonetheless very much its own thing.

The condition is very good. Some wear to the rim and chamber slightly over-reamed at the top.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.54″ / 39.11mm

Weight: 2.5oz / 72g