Caminetto: ***Smooth Bent Brandy (03) (AT) Tobacco Pipe

The "AT" stamping on this bent Brandy indicates that it was crafted by Tomasso "Tommi" Ascorti, the grandson of Caminetto founder Giuseppe Ascorti. Shape-wise, the broad, flattened heel tapers gradually toward the taunt rim, and the plump bowl possesses most of the composition's visual weight in typical Italian neoclassical style. The relatively trim shank-and-stem combination angles out of the tidy, low-slung transition in such a way that informs and draws attention to the wide base of the bowl. A mount of jet-black acrylic adorns the shank end and is fitted to a tapered stem that matches the mount in color and material. Though bearing a mount, this piece is a standard tenon-mortise arrangement. The stummel wears a dark, smoky smooth finish that showcases some dense birdseye across one flank of the bowl and wind-swept flame grain across the other. A sure Sitter courtesy of the aforementioned heel and boasting a decent bit of chamber capacity, this piece will make a charming desk pipe for those who enjoy Italian craftsmanship.