Rossi: Mezzanotte (8104) (6mm) Tobacco Pipe

Rossi's "8104" shape designation corresponds to Savinelli's "104" design and is a Billiard that showcases the Italian pipe making tradition's approach to classic English and French shapes. The basic Billiard form is maintained in the rigid, upright bowl; however, the proportions have been slightly altered as the shank and stem are a touch more slender and the bowl a tad taller. It makes for a dramatic visual effect and draws more attention to the bowl, while still preserving the shape's streamlined look in profile.

Introduced in 2023, Rossi's Mezzanotte line is a no-nonsense series that prioritizes timeless traditionalism and a conservative presentation that draws focus to this pipe's line and form. Marked by a dark stain and rugged rustication, the Mezzanotte series appropriately translates to "Midnight" in Italian and offers just the right amount of texture in hand. It remains balanced between traditional Italian and English pipe making styles — the rustication calling to mind the dramatic, extra-craggy finishes often seen throughout Italian pipe making, but the lighter depth hewing closer to the stately English aesthetic — with the dark palette and grooved surface hiding any handling marks this piece might pick up over the years.