Italian Estates: Paronelli Sandblasated Billiard (9mm) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Going back some three generations, J.M. Alberto Paronelli began his company in the mid-1940s, and it's currently run by his grandson Ariberto, who has presented us with this fairly reserved take on the Billiard. Though still quite neoclassical, it's absent any of the overtly sculptural carving that typifies many Paronelli pieces, presenting instead with softly stylized features in slightly enhanced dimensions. The bowl here is tall, with a rounded heel, low-set waist, and a sleek, understated taper to the rim that keeps the feel in hand comfortable, its walls surrounding a capacious chamber. A wide transition out back gives way to a round shank mat with a short, tapering stem of cumberland-hued acrylic, the warm tones matching the rich, earthy sandblast of the stummel.