Autograph Smooth Paneled Bent Brandy Sitter (0) (6mm) Tobacco Pipe

Achille Savinelli set out to break the Italian government's monopoly on tobacco when he opened his own smoke shop in Milan in 1876. Though clay and meerschaum ruled the pipe market in those days, Achille had faith that the briar pipes he designed and had manufactured in Varese would make a breakthrough, and he was right. Production of Savinelli pipes continues to this day, with its Autograph line representing the company's finest products. The line's incredibly high standards, including specially-selected briar, limit the number of Autographs Savinelli can make each year. Savinelli grades its best Autographs on a descending scale of 000, 00, and 0, followed by 8, 6, 5, 4, and 3.

This 0-graded Autograph bent Brandy is a Sitter thanks to the wide spur that juts from the front of the bowl, allowing it to sit vertically without assistance. As intriguing as the spur is as a part of this piece, the flame grain is absolutely remarkable, licking up the walls of the bowl and sides of the square shank in tight tendrils that are smoothly finished to a bright gloss and stained a light, reddish walnut hue. The shank falls back to a black acrylic saddle stem with square shoulders that bends lightly on its way to the bit. This piece is fascinating in its design and beautiful in its execution, offering so much for the eyes and the fingertips to appreciate.