Savinelli Nonpareil 9111 Smooth Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

It is probably fair to say that Savinelli is Italy’s most famous pipe brand. Founded in Milan in 1876 by Achille Savinelli, the brand has continuously offered high quality pipes for nearly 150 years. Though various Savinelli lines have come and gone over the years, the brand has always been notable for putting out classically styled pipes with a distinctly Italian twist.

Taking its name from an archaic term for “without equal,” Savinelli’s Nonpareil was one of its top-of-the-line series from the mid- to late-20th century. These pipes were distinguished by their exceptional grain, horn (or imitation horn) ferrules, and flared ebonite stems, along with two gold dots on the latter. Like the Estella and Punto Oro Corallo, Savinelli’s Nonpareil series has become a cult-favorite over the years but, unfortunately, it also shows no signs of returning. This one has pretty mesmerizing straight grain, to the point where I’d compare it to the “angel hair” patterns that artisans speak of in hushed tones. Judging by the four-digit shape code, I’d estimate this to be a pre-1970 pipe, though the Nonpareils might have been an exception to the three-digit standardization of Savinelli’s shapes during that decade. In any case, it’s far from recent.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and over-reaming of the chamber.

 

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 1.01 / 25.65mm

Bowl Depth: 1.91″ / 48.51mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g