The range comes from a family-owned pipe factory which specialises in producing private label pipes with comparable qualities to slot into such price gaps. This innovation, combined with a real enthusiasm and love for the trade, has been so successful that (having completed university studies) the fourth generation came into the business in 2005.
Buying is a process of advice and negotiation – deciding which finishes and shapes offer the best value for the price the buyer wants to pay: “maybe go for a slightly smaller / different bowl”.
In this way we (the buyer) can fill in the price and shape gaps in the range of pipes we offer to you the pipe smoker; and from the supplier point of view the factory has a more efficient production run.

We have worked with the manufacturer of our Marca pipes since 2005 with marked success: Marca Parma, Marca 6, Marca Mignon, Marca Sport have all been exceptionally well accepted as quality pipes at reasonable prices.
In all this time we haven’t had a single faulty bowl. Not many brands can boast of this.

In fact, a considerable percentage of the Private Label pipes we see in the USA come from this Italian business enterprise. The buyer chooses a shape or shapes from the large (and I mean large) stockholding of prepared (cured and turned) bowls, specifies the price range and colour, and the bowls are selected and the pipes finished accordingly.

To summarise the factory philosophy for pipe making:
“By having cost-efficient production runs, with 2 or 3 grades of finishes included, they can produce better value for money pipes than most other pipe manufacturers.”

Dry

For many years we have said that dry-smoking pipes are technically the best-designed pipes for all and sundry pipe smokers. By “dry-smoking” we mean a pipe with a built-in moisture trap
Bent pipes are usually the most effective, and in addition tend to be much lighter on the jaw. Particularly for new pipe smokers, they ease the way.
Our customers have confirmed this.

As prices for this type of pipe were rising, we wanted to find a pipe at a more reasonable price.

So, in 2012 we sat down with them to discuss the possibility
of a Marca Dry pipe for us.

A pipe with a “sump” which collects the moisture that forms naturally as the pipe is smoked (a pipe is a natural filter).
This produces a much drier smoking experience.

Because the design would be new to the factory, and it would have to be slotted in to their already busy production, we would need to be patient. The wait has been worth it.
The pipes are stunning.

Shape 120 (above) is free-standing:
It’s stability is a good example of the skill of the pipe maker,
and the care given to the feel and balance of each pipe.

Three shapes in both smooth and sandblast, showing excellent grain patterns with minimal surface imperfections.
Saddle (top row) or Taper (bottom row) mouthpiece, whichever pleases your eye.

Saddle, smooth: 54-MarDrySSm R695.00 Taper, smooth: 54-MarDryTSm R695.00

Saddle, sandblast: 54-MarDrySSb Taper, sandblast: 54-MarDryTSb R695.00

- YOUR SHAPE SELECTION IS MADE AFTER 'BUY NOW'

Note: clean the sump regularly with a folded pipe cleaner (and a shot of pipe spray) – to enjoy fresh smoking for many years. A “filter” may be used to mop up excess moisture, helping to keep the moisture trap clean and dry.
An adapter is included for use when you choose not to insert the filter.
Must be smoked with filter or adapter (provided)

Each pipe is boxed, and includes an adapter, and also samples of three different 6mm “filters”:
Balsa, Charcoal, and Paper Tube

SNUG

– a compact, pocket pipe
– fitted with a Teflon peg, offering a 6mm option.

Pretty-well unique in today’s pipe world.

Three finishes: Sepia-brown – a true brown - not too red, not too yellow, not too dark. It highlights the grain without over-emphasising any surface flaws. Black Sandblast - Hand-rubbing relief grain, with a beautiful, almost black glossy finish. Natural – a light honey-blonde stain reveals the grain of the selected bowls. This finish can only be used on the better quality pipes – no flaw is concealed. The colour will deepen with smoking to a rich golden-brown.   Two chubby shapes, designed to fit neatly and comfortably into hand or pocket; saddle or taper mouthpiece.
Sandblast MS21t	Brown MS21s	Brown MS22t	Natural MS22s

YOUR SHAPE SELECTION IS MADE AFTER 'BUY NOW'

The SNUG is also very good for “out-and-about”. The shorter mouthpiece, with Teflon peg, offers less leverage and less possibility of breaking when you’re transporting it.

Honey Blonde satin finish: 54-MarSnugNat R696.00

Satin sepia-brown finish: 54-MarSnugBr R645.60

Glossy black sandblast: 54-MarSnugSb R595.15

YOUR SHAPE SELECTION IS MADE AFTER 'BUY NOW'

See also 10 minute pipes