Underwood Billiard (2025) Tobacco Pipe

One of the most recognizable marques in Italy today, the Radice workshop was founded in 1980 when Luigi Radice decided to embark on a new pipe making journey alongside his two sons, Gianluca and Marzio. Previously, Luigi made pipes for Castello, and before that, Caminetto. Under his new namesake brand, he offered high-quality pipes carved in the unmistakable Italian neoclassical style. He experimented with innovative new designs, new rusticating and carving styles, and oil curing — techniques which are still employed today when crafting pieces like this Underwood Pure Billiard.

The bowl of this Billiard stands tall and proud at the fore of a robust, lengthy shank. Said shank joined by an abbreviated saddle stem, whose thick shoulders extend the shank's length even more, offering ample space to comfortably drape a digit. Save for the smooth-finished shank, the stummel wears Radice's distinctive Underwood finish: a craggy, texture-rich outfit reminiscent of the melting wax motif popular within the Italian neoclassical pipe-making style. The shank's smooth finish draws further attention to the craggy bowl, and the whole ensemble is unified by a vivid auburn stain.