Italian Estates: Radice Clear Billiard with Silver (OP) (2018) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

This Billiard from Radice is a lean, stout rendition of nearly Nosewarmer proportions, with the firm, upright bowl paired to a shank-and-stem combination that tapers gradually together, though the trim silver band around the shank end marks a more dramatic taper for the stem. This piece wears the honey-blonde, smooth finish often found in pipes that bear the Clear designation, denoting briar of excellent quality, and additionally features the "OP" stamp, standing for Occhio di Pernice, Italian for "bird's eye". It's an earned designation, as both flanks of the bowl, though especially the left, display incredible seas of dense, swirling birdseye grain. Topped off by a glossy black stem of acrylic, this piece is a lightweight, travel-friendly pipe replete with charm.