Savinelli: Churchwarden Black Rusticated (901) Tobacco Pipe

Savinelli's "901" is an Opera pipe; that is, a pipe whose bowl is oval to better fit into the pocket of a tuxedo. However, it's available in more standard length, as opposed to the more pocket friendly size the original design intended. The horizontally compressed, rounded bowl of the "901" is popular with or without intent to pocket carry, though. With a forward-jutting heel for a sturdier silhouette, all edges are rounded on the oval bowl, which sits at the end of a round shank, combining curvaceous appeal with mathematical precision. It's a shape that reminds us of times when a gentleman would never be without his pocket watch, handkerchief, and Opera pipe.

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.