Radice: Clear Bent Brandy (F) Tobacco Pipe

This bent Brandy from Radice is an impressively hearty piece, with an appreciable heft in hand that's almost entirely centered on its bowl. Said bowl stands on a firm heel, its walls rising from a low-set waistline and tapering gently toward a flat rim, their travel marked by a comfortable arc that fits delightfully well in hand. These walls are thick and hearty, and they nicely insulate a capacious chamber, while a wide transition out back gives way to a lifting, tapering shank. This shank meets a similarly tapering stem of black acrylic, the pair offering a comfortable smoking posture. Dressed in the brand's Clear smooth finish, the stummel boasts a warm, light stain and showcases handsome grain throughout, earning this piece the "F" stamp for its great display of flame grain.

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.