Talamona Marco Polo Smooth Bent Egg Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Talamona is an Italian workshop situated in Italy’s historic pipe-making province of Varese. The make was founded by artisan Cesare Talamona, who oversaw production of Talamona pipes from its founding in 1970, until his retirement in 2007. Since 2007, production of Talamona pipes has been overseen by Paolo Croci, another Italian artisan, also known for being one half of the Pipa Croci make.

I would think this particular Talamona was made by Cesare Talamona himself, rather than the more recent pieces by Paolo Croci’s workshop. That’s not to say that Paolo Croci doesn’t know how to make a good pipe, but this one is much more bold and ornate than contemporary Talamona pipes. It is something of a bent egg, but not of the Danish sort. Instead, it’s far closer to the Oom Paul egg hybrids seen, for example, in Castello or Caminetto pipes, though it must also be said that it is completely its own thing. From its plateaux rim to its horn ferrule and generally tall stature, it’s a fascinating design, one made all the more impressive by its beautiful flame grain patterns.

The condition is very good. Just a couple of very small nicks on the bowl and a slight weathering to the horn ferrule, but nothing major.

Details:

Length: 5.7″ / 144.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.67″ / 42.41mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g