Thomas Cristiano Metamorfosi A505 Smooth Pear w/ Silver Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

While originally born in Italy, Thomas Cristiano emigrated to the United States at the age of 16, quickly finding work in the S.M. Frank factory in Long Island. For many years, Cristiano worked at S.M. Frank, rising through the ranks to become one of the company’s main supervisors, where he oversaw the production of Kaywoodie, Medico, and Yello-Bole pipes. In 1982, Cristiano left S.M. Frank to start his own pipe business, through which he both distributed pipes from major Italian makes, such as L’Anatra, and manufactured his own, which included the Calabresi and T. Cristiano makes.

The Metamorfosi was one of Thomas Cristiano’s flagship lines under the T. Cristiano make. Distinguished by its light, orange-brown finish, sterling silver collar, and silver stem inlay, the line featured a range of relatively traditional shapes, but with just a slight Italian touch. Oddly enough, this looks to be one of the earliest iterations of the Metamorfosi, as indicated by its patent application, though the only difference I note between this and later versions was a slightly less ornate stem inlay on the latter.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim darkening and a couple of small scratches on the bowl. This pipe is chambered to allow for the use of 9mm filters if desired.

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.43″ / 36.32mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g