Radice (2013) Classic Large Smooth Long Shank Apple (Estate)

Radice is one of the great Italian workshop pipe makes, belonging to a historic lineage of such workshops. The company began as a family affair, being established in 1980 by Luigi Radice, along with his son, Gianluca, and father, Paolo. But Radice’s pipe making “family” is a little larger than that. Prior to founding Radice, Luigi ran Caminetto, which he had founded with Guiseppe Ascorti in 1968. Prior to Caminetto, Radice had worked alongside Ascorti in the Castello factory, under the supervision of its owner, Carlo Scotti. It’s quite an impressive genealogy, which is clearly reflected in the quality of Radice pipes.

The “Classic” was an interesting project pursued by Luigi Radice and his sons around the early 2010s. While Radice pipes are typically unique creations—albeit in accordance with an established house style—the Classic series was comprised of a set of fixed shapes. These shapes were, furthermore, interpretations by the Radices of “Classic” shapes from elsewhere in the world. They were, as such, a little more traditional than other Radice pipes, while still retaining the make’s signature aesthetic. A limited number of each shape, in each of Radice’s house finishes, were produced and, to my knowledge, it’s been many years since the project ended. This is one of the apple renditions produced for the Classic series, and looks to be wearing the light smooth Radice Clear finish over a plump, flame-grained bowl.

The condition is very good. Chamber slightly over-reamed and a couple of small scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.90 / 22.86mm

Bowl Depth: 1.77″ / 44.95mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g