Rossi: Mezzanotte (8642) (6mm) Tobacco Pipe

Italian pipe making design is often marked by disparate proportions between the bowl and shank, with the former usually dominating a piece's visual weight. Such an aesthetic is championed throughout Rossi's portfolio; however, the Italian marque's "8642" bent Apple — which corresponds to Savinelli's "642" design — forgoes this shaping style. Instead, this piece features a robust shank that rivals the bowl's plump muscularity. The proportions are hearty and appeal especially to those who enjoy the signature look of Peterson, particularly their "XL02" bent Apple.

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.