Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Bent Apple (CCC) 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. His over 50 years of experience ensures that his pipes are not only beautiful, but expertly shaped and precisely drilled, and all of these are the case with this bent Apple. A uniquely stylized piece, this pipe stands out thanks to its extended heel, one that pushes down into a spur-like structure, drawing further attention to the bowl. This spur admirably supports the bowl's walls as they make a supple curve to the rim, whose presence is marked with dips at either flank, lending it an undulating look. The transition is rather mid-set thanks to the heel, and it's wide enough to drape a digit, giving way to a lifting shank that flares subtly to a broad expansion disc of cumberland: a rare accent for the carver. This disc acts as the junction accent and marks the start of a demurely curved black acrylic saddle stem, working with the shank to offer a comfortable smoking posture. Dressed in one of Cavicchi's iconic honey-blonde stains, this "CCC" graded piece displays beautiful flame grain following the shape of the stummel incredibly well, with the underside peppered with birdseye.