Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Volcano with Spalted Beechwood (CCCC) Tobacco Pipe

Claudio Cavicchi is truly a master of his craft, and his ability to coax the best possible grain out of every piece of briar will always astound me. Originally a farmer, Claudio was first inspired to make pipes after an order he placed for one with his local tobacconist took many months to fill. What resulted was not only a pipe almost exactly like the one Cavicchi was looking for, but a passion that has lasted nearly five decades, his first piece made in 1974. A world-champion slow-smoker with three titles under his belt, Claudio Cavicchi relentlessly seeks perfection in every pipe that he crafts, not only able to read grain exceptionally well, but able to engineer pipes that smoke magnificently. This Volcano is a lovely example of Cavicchi's work, presenting with a unique look that pairs the expansive base to a triangular shank. Said base is an expansive oval that supports thick, tapering walls which rise up toward a flat rim, the entire build taking on a forward lean that affords this pipe a dynamic posture. The transition is wide and leads to the aforementioned triangular shank, its shirt length lifting slightly to meet an accent of spalted beechwood, acting as the junction to a stylized saddle stem whose jet-black acrylic is demurely curved at the bit. Graded "CCCC" and dressed in a warm mahogany stain, the stummel here showcases a wealth of handsome grain, with ample flame wrapping the bowl and a basin of birdseye across the broad base.