Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Horn with Black Palm (CCC) Tobacco Pipe

Claudio Cavicchi's Horn renditions can vary in their exact shaping: Some pose a softer style of bowl, with minimal flare, while others present a consistent flare from bit to rim in a style akin to that of many Danish versions. This example represents yet another Horn style we've seen from the Italian artisan — the profile marked by an exaggerated S-curve, sweeping transition, and dramatically flaring bowl. Furthermore, the flanks are defined by crisp ridgelines that travel the length of the stummel, curling in line with the bowl, and terminating at the rim. Such design cues have framed this briar block's grain beautifully, with the ridgelines acting as guides from which cross grain seems to emanate. It's such an immaculate display that Claudio has stamped it with three "C" stamps, a rating reserved for pieces that excel in both grain and shaping. Dressed in his signature light stain, this pipe is among Cavicchi's best work, further benefiting from an accent of black palm.