Savinelli: Churchwarden Black Rusticated (404) Tobacco Pipe

A Zulu, Woodstock, or Yachtsman, depending on what traditional shape chart you're inclined toward, Savinelli's "404" features a subtle, elegant bend in the shank and stem arrangement, and smooth, gradual curves at the transition for a seamless connection to the bowl. That bowl rises in a slight forward cant, more upright than the traditional Zulu form, but still displaying the Dublin-like flare toward the rim, resulting in a remarkably easy grip in hand.

While Savinelli's Qandale series offers a number of shapes in Churchwarden configuration, marked by an Old-World aesthetic, the Italian marque also presents versions of more traditional, minimalist style. The Churchwarden design hearkens back to the long, willowy, clay "tavern pipes" of yesteryear, marked by especially long stems. Myth shrouds the name's origin, with stories speculating that churchwardens smoked these longer pipes so as to keep smoke from their eyes while keeping watch over unlocked churches. Others suggest that churchwardens used the longer stems to hang pipe bowls out a window while they smoked during church services. Regardless, the elongated stem promotes a comfortable smoking posture well suited to peaceful, relaxing smoking sessions, and this particular piece wears an ebony-stained rustication for intriguing texture in hand and a classy presentation.