Italian Estates: Ser Jacopo Smooth Bulldog (Maxima) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

For as whimsical as Ser Jacopo's Pesaro school-oriented designs can be, they also craft pipes of a more stately, understated composition, such as this Bulldog, a more traditional, rendition of the iconic shape. In true Italian neoclassical style, the shank and stem taper tout of the transition to the button, a gentle slope framed by firm ridgelines on all sides. The transition is defined, softening the back half's rigidity, the lines on the flanks arcing upward slightly to the bowl, the heel's travel mirroring the angle of both, terminating in a strong edge that abates, separating and rising into the bowl. The flare is decided, growing up to a set of crisp beadlines before tapering, resulting in a tall rim that sits high on the bowl and overlooks a respectably broad chamber. The stummel is dressed in a glossy chestnut stain, revealing flame grain throughout the expansive stummel of this "Maxima" stamped pipe.