Savinelli: Giubileo d'Oro Smooth Natural (173) (6mm) Tobacco Pipe

The "173" is one of Savinelli's more unique shapes, hybridizing characteristic elements of other designs. In silhouette, the profile is a fairly straightforward Apple, perhaps a touch taller than would be considered standard and with a very slight bend to the stem, but upon closer examination the pipe's distinguishing qualities become more apparent. The shank is actually a Reuleaux triangle in cross section, still rounded but with defining ridgelines for a paneled-like motif, and such a cue matches the shank of the Italian marque's "673 KS" bent Bulldog. Following the Bulldog similarities, the bowl of the "173" sometimes features crisp beadlines just above the waist in some iterations, yet all versions always remain continually rounded and devoid of the Bulldog's typically sudden taper toward the rim.

The highest tier within Savinelli's standard lineup, the Giubileo d'Oro series presents the Italian marque's superlative pieces. Meaning "Golden Jubilee" in Italian, the Giubileo d'Oro series denotes Savinelli pipes par excellence, and the strict standards determining Giubileo d'Oro pieces mean that only 0.1% of Savinelli's total production is found worthy of the line's iconic three brass dot stem logo. As such, these pipes showcase choice grain patterns and exquisite finishes — from concisely defined sandblasts to gorgeously arrayed flame grain and birdseye. This particular example wears the line's smooth, Natural stain, highlighting the briar's natural grain in a traditional and vivid palette, and comes complete with a matching tamper.