Savinelli: Birdseye (105) Tobacco Pipe

Savinelli's "105" is the Italian marque's trimmest Billiard design, its svelte proportions and streamlined shaping reminiscent of classic French renditions. Much like their "106" design, the "105" features a slender, arrow straight shank-and-stem configuration paired to a bowl that's around a Group 2 in size. However, the "105" is even more lightweight and caters to those who prefer diminutive, traditionally inclined pipes.

Savinelli considers numerous aspects when examining the briar quality of a pipe, including grain orientation, lack of flaws (such as naturally occurring sand pits), and how the grain aligns with the shape. How well a certain stummel meets these criteria determines its finish and tier within Savinelli's lineup, with the most estimable displays set aside for the Italian marque's more limited productions — like the Punto Oro and Giubileo d'Oro series. Since around 2010, Savinelli has allocated the most exemplary bowls from this superlative selection, and in 2019 they released the special Riserva line, which comprised bowls commended by stunning flame grain. However, not every stummel from this curated stock featured flame-grain orientation, so Savinelli released a line of Birdseye pipes in 2021. Dressed in a simple, auburn stain, this Birdseye piece showcases some of the finest briar Savinelli has to offer, all in a traditional presentation that draws focus to the immaculate grain.