Radice: Clear Acorn (OP) Tobacco Pipe

Though not a rare shape from Radice, the Acorn certainly is an uncommon one, with renditions such as this straight example displaying a more understated neoclassicism compared to other pipes from the workshop. The bowl here still takes on the majority of the visual weight, complete with a robust build which here sits atop a rounded, slightly pronounced heel. The walls of the bowl take on a slight flare as they grow upward, expanding to the rim, where they then round out, emphasizing a supple bit of curvature which lends this pipe a comfortable feel in hand. A forward cant lends the bowl some added dynamism, poising it nicely at the end of a sleekly tapering shank and stem combination which ebb out from a wide transition. The shank is extended in this pipe, its enhanced reach lending it a character reminiscent of the Liverpool thanks to its pairing to a sleekly tapering stem of black acrylic. Dressed in the warm, honey-blonde stain of the Clear finish, this pipe is further commended by the "OP" stamp, denoting its status as an "Occhio di Pernice" pice: a phrase that translates to English as "birdseye" and denotes the excellent quality of the eponymous grain it displays.

Luigi Radice was born in 1939 and began his career working with briar in 1961, finding employment at the venerable Castello workshop. While working for the now legendary brand, Luigi met Giuseppe Ascorti, and the two left together in 1968 to found Caminetto, where he stayed for 12 years, before departing to establish Radice in 1980. With help from his son, Gianluca, and his father, Paolo, Luigi began producing pipes in a striking neoclassical style which quickly amassed acclaim from enthusiasts of such stylized works. Luigi was later joined by his other son, Marzio, and the family-run workshop has since become known not just for their unique take on the neoclassical style of pipe making, but their singular accenting and finishing techniques.