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Read more about Prestige Pipes PRESTIGE PIPES |
| Possibly you could think of Prestige pipes
as falling into 3 categories: Dunhill Classic shapes - Designer pipes - Nording Freehands - Savinelli Punto Ora Collectables including Autograph - Leonardo da Vinci |
The Classic shapes pioneered by Alfred Dunhill. These classic shapes are part of the normal range of the particular manufacturer – but every now and then during manufacture a bowl of exceptional quality and beauty is found, which is then given special attention to nurture a Prestige pipe. The Dunhill “White Spot” was the first pipe to carry a guarantee. That little white spot is still a symbol of perfection and style, and the guarantee still holds. Dunhill 54-DHDPR4111
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Dunhill 54-DHDPA3108 R6753.73
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The two rings bring certain lightness
Nording
The Hunting pipe - the famous annual series from Erik Nørding...
The idea is to make a unique pipe where the shape and colour brings out the characteristics of a wild animal.
Each pipe is delivered in a beautiful tube and includes a drawing and a short explanation describing the animal selected for that year’s edition.
Erik Nording asked Mr. Mogens Andersen - who is one of Denmark’s finest illustrators of wild game - to make a drawing of the ultimate hunting pipe
2019 honours the White Rhino
The light grey skin of an adult white rhino will sometimes fold in panel-like areas, and the body shape is broad and fairly short, giving it a sturdy appearance.
The pipe takes its inspiration from this description.
54-NordH2019 RhinoB R4450.00 
54-NordH2019C R4450.00
54-NordH2019 RhinoA R4450.00 
Weight 52g
Bowl diameter 19mm
Bowl depth 40mm
Nording Freehands
The individually selected freehand pipes are very beautiful, very smokeable, and not over-the-top in price.
We have only one of each pipe – the pipe you see is the pipe you will get.
Erik Nørding started making his Freehand pipes in the 1960s. He only uses plateau wood for the Freehand Pipes. 
It is the outer part of the briar block where you find the most beautiful texture and grains.
When carving a freehand pipe he tries as much as possible to follow the grain, making creative choices when he as to deal with natural defects within the wood.
Although Erik is very innovative, he certainly doesn’t cut corners with the curing and drying processes.
In this way he makes certain that the briar is top quality, the finish is durable, and the smoking experience excellent.
The finished pipes are large, and the wood is thick – but the diameter of the tobacco cavity is the standard 20mm.
Each pipe comes in a Nording branded green drawstring bag to protect your pipe when you carry it.
We only buy these when we can select the pipes ourselves.
This is our third shipment – previous shipments fulfilled all expectations – always a pleasure.
Nording Spruce Cone
Who would have thought that an ordinary pine cone would have inspired Erik Nording to create a new finish for this freehand pipe.
But it works.
A lot of rustication brings out the distinctive shape of the pipe even more, and as a result it is light for its size.
Nice touch - the “folded” rim matches the smooth end of the shank
As always the pipe feels very comfortable in the hand.
54-NordCone R2750.00
Weight 66g
Bowl diameter 19mm
Bowl depth 45mm
Nording Briar Line Series
The Briar Line Series are beautifully crafted Freehand Pipes, featuring smooth natural with rustic emphasis.
These two are true eye-catchers featuring the natural beauty of the grain partly rusticated but leaving the most beautiful part of the plateau wood in the natural color of briar.
54-NordBLR A R2750.00
Weight 77g
Bowl diameter 20mm
Bowl depth 45mm
54-NordBLR B R2750.00
Weight 73g
Bowl diameter 20mm
Bowl depth 40mm
The Signature Series - Smooth Natural
New last year, we couldn’t resist buying another two of these autographed pipes with 9mm option.
Each pipe comes with a lovely drawstring bag, to protect your pipe when you carry it.
As they are smoked the softer briar will darken, exposing the amazing grains. Two shapes.
54-NordSign C R2500.00
Weight 72g
Bowl diameter 23mm
Bowl depth 45mm
54-NordSign D R2500.00
Weight 62g
Bowl diameter 23mm
Bowl depth 40mm
Nording “Grain” Series
For his “Grain” series, Erik Nording has chosen the most beautiful, almost flawless bowls from his briar plateaus.
A deep base stain highlights the grain, and the bowls are then hand carved with ridges and valleys following the natural grain.
They are then finished with a lighter stain and a high-polished surface.
All the bowls are straight or flame grain, and the rim of the bowl is decorated with etchings emphasising the birdseye tips of the grain.
The Grain pipes offer a 9mm option.
The slightly larger size 2 is finished in a rich light mahogany colour – he calls it “orange”.
Size 3 is a beautiful golden brown.
54-NordGrain#2A R3100.00
Weight 63g
Bowl diameter 23mm
Bowl depth 45mm
54-NordGrain#2B R3100.00
Weight 68g
Bowl diameter 23mm
Bowl depth 40mm
54-NordGrain#3A R2800.00
Weight 61g
Bowl diameter 23mm
Bowl depth 40mm
54-NordGrain#3B R2800.00
Weight 65g
Bowl diameter 23mm
Bowl depth 45mm
Harmony Series
Harmony is a perfect description of this quality briar
Nording pipe, with elegant coloured “Hunt” design.
Only one pipe – this is the pipe you will get.
The pipe comes with a Nording branded drawstring bag,
to protect your pipe when you carry it.
As always, it feels very good in either hand.
54-NordHrmGrn A R3400.00
Weight 60g
Bowl diameter 20mm
Bowl depth 40mm
about the Nording Pipe in blog posts 367 and 399
| SAVINELLI |
Punto Oro Natural
The “classic” pipe that made the name “Savinelli” famous all over the world thanks to the high quality briar and to the ultimate care in production. The quality is reflected in the mirror-smooth inside of the bowl, the predominance of hard wood, the hand-cut mouthpiece – and the light weight, which indicates the high calibre of the curing.
All have a Teflon peg with a 6mm filter option; the pipes are presented with an adapter and 6mm balsa filters.
The Gold Dot is the stamp of excellence on these magnificent pipes.
Nobody makes a more consistent classic bent pipe than Savinelli.
A pattern of Birdseye, Cross Grain and a burst of Flame Grain give this pipe a dramatic visual impact. This Italian version of a bent Rhodesian has a great feel in the hand. The extra mouthpiece is a bonus. Weight 51g
54-SavPON677k R5295.00
A classic example of Birdseye panels on both side separated front and back by tight Cross Grain. The inward taper of the bowl creates a soft, comfortable feel in the hand. The extra mouthpiece is a bonus.
Weight 49g
54-SavPON628 SOLD
Punto Oro Fume
As you turn this classic bent Savinelli, you can see how the Birdseye on the left side blends through sweeping Cross Grain into some straight grain on the right. A complex grain pattern, a delight to the eye. Weight 47g
54-SavPOFume602
The name means Golden Jubilee. Only one in every thousand bowls qualifies for this grade: perfectly clean and exceptionally grained.
The best that Savinelli has to offer.
A brass tamper mounted on briar is a nice companion.
Lightweight as one would expect: 38g
54-SavGdOR R9500.00
Savinelli Artisan
Good Straight Grain all around the bowl, emphasized by the darker soft wood creating a bold pattern. The unusual panelling and curve of the bowl give a lovely feel in the hand.
A large bowl – 62g
54-SavArtnSmC R3984,70
| UNUSUAL FINISHES – DESIGNER PIPES |
Something different for your collection: But such designs and finishes are not for lower-priced briar – they need top quality wood, innovative designs, eye-catching finishes …….. and inspiration.
| Prestige Collection from Savinelli 1876 |
Achille Savinelli, a man who changed the history of the pipe, was born in Milan in 1918. To Achille, the son of the founder of Savinelli, pipes were a true passion. His original designs proved revolutionary, combining beauty and smoking satisfaction, producing pipes that he too loved and smoked every day. He possessed pipes of every shape and size imaginable.
We are fortunate to be able to offer personally selected, top quality Savinelli pipes - each one made to the highest standards, a true credit to this renowned company.
The mirror smooth inside of the bowl is an indication of the care taken in producing these fine pipes. They are all fitted with a black acrylic mouthpiece, very resistant to oxidation; and offer the option of a 6mm balsa “filter”.
Collectables
Collection ~
Limited Editions
Each year a unique model is designed by one of the top pipemakers in the Savinelli factory and produced from well-cured, flawless briar in limited quantities according to the number of fine quality bowls available in the special shape and size. The pipe is authenticated by the inlaid plaque and the signature of Achille Savinelli on the mouthpiece, and accompanied by a numbered certificate of provenance.
These pipes appeal especially to the Collector - but the distinctive styling and their smoking qualities make them universally appreciated.
Savinelli Prestige Collection Limited Editions
Sandblast
54-SavColl2016Sb
A brilliant example of skill and artistry - varying the depth of sandblasting from light through to medium-deep according to the grain of the bowl; the smooth rim is echoed in the briar link between the shank and the mouthpiece.
The mirror-smooth inside of the bowl shows the tight straight grain, confirmed by the birdseye pattern on the rim.
The small polished panel on the underside of the bowl allows the pipe to balance on its own – clever and convenient.
6mm balsa option.
Polished Marrone
54-SavColl2016Sm
The shape was chosen in accordance with the grain of the briar ebauchon – a limited number selected for this series. The shape suits the flared grain perfectly – making the best of the natural briar.
Flawless naturally – a real tribute to the art of the designer and quality of the briar.
The link between shank and mouthpiece being part of the mouthpiece is the final touch.
6mm balsa option.
Polished Marrone
54-SavColl2017Sm R6120.00 R4050.22
Rich chestnut polished finish with signature,
0.925 plaque; briar band
Optional 6mm filter
Includes adapter and 6mm balsa filters
Sandblast
54-SavColl2017Sb R5195.00 R3407.50
Rich brown Sandblast finish, with signature
0.925 plaque; briar band
Optional 6mm filter; Includes adapter and 6mm balsa filters
Savinelli Autograph
Completely handmade, unique and unrepeatable - bearing the signature of Achille Savinelli. These exclusive pipes, which all Collectors covet, are carved by only a few skilled workers from the finest briar blocks personally selected by Giancarlo Savinelli, great grandson of the Founder, who currently heads the company.
From the Savinelli website:
This rare, unique and irreplaceable pipe, is shaped from the raw material following the grain and the “fiammatura” (“flame”), which Mother Nature has put at our disposal, according to the artistic mood of our master craftsmen. The wood is natural and the shape is unique for each piece. The name “Autograph” was created from the handwritten signature of Achille Savinelli Senior printed on the mouthpiece.
These pipes are created according to the characteristics of the raw material: the briar, and as a consequence their shapes are affected by the necessity and the creativeness. Practically they are all unique.
Savinelli Autograph Smooth
54-SavAuto6SmA
Here we are admiring pone of the very few pipes to carry the stamped Savinelli signature.
Glorious Straight and slightly twisting Flame grain cover the whole surface of this Signature pipe.
As described by Giancarlo Savinelli, who personally selects these pipes, they are hand-designed, unique and unrepeatable.
An exceptionally elegant pipe, with a bevelled rim to the bowl for easy packing.
A beautiful example of how the tight hard wood is enhanced by the darker streaks in this Flame Grain pattern.
The brown Cumberland mouthpiece continues the brown briar tone to the whole pipe. Weight 52g
54-SavAuto6smB R8670.40 R5157.00
Savinelli Autograph Classic Sandblast
54-SavAutoSba R5548.50 R3530.70
Now here’s an unusual shape – but how practical.
Fingers fit snugly around the ridge which is cleverly shaped to fit either hand.
The shaping allows the bowl to lie comfortably at a slight angle on either side.
Now look at the grain:
The inside of the bowl tells you that it is straight all the way up, and tight with it.
The sandblasted outside of the bowl displays this grain so beautifully, a joy just to look at.
54-SavAutoSbb R5548.50 R3530.70
Did you ever see anything so stylish?
The semi-square, rounded top, shank just flows into the hand-cut mouthpiece, with a hollow on each side following the line of the shank.
The grain too contributes: beautifully flared; you can confirm by looking at the inside of the bowl.
And it is so light – a real tribute to the quality of the briar and the curing.
Savinelli Autograph Panelled
54-SavAutoFSA R8020.00
Sale Price R4770.00
This is an intriguing pipe.
In one way it can look as if a textured rough cover has been fitted over part of the bowl.
There is even a fine ridge along the edge of the covered section.
But what has actually happened is that the whole pipe was sandblasted, with the front panel and the sides of the shank carefully polished removing the surface sandblasting in order to display the lovely grain.
The Free Styling between the smooth and the sandblasted areas follow the grain which warrants the Autograph status.
54-SavAutoFSB R8020.00
Sale Price R4770.00
Simply described by Savinelli as a Free Style Autograph pipe.
To my eye it is a square-shanked, sloping 4 panelled Dublin with incredible deep sandblasted sides, and striking Straight Grain polished panels front and back.
The clean, polished inside of the bowl confirms the coverage of the Straight Graiin around the whole bowl.
The trimmed inner rim of the bowl adds a nice neat touch to the overall sandblasted Birdseye top of the bowl.
And it stands alone.
BRIAR LINE
“Briar Line” is a new series of ‘free hand’ pipes, shaped by hand, with a superior quality of briar, like the Autograph. The shapes are modern and attractive, and a little bit smaller compared to the traditional Autograph; they are decorated with a ring made of maple wood on the mouthpiece.
On the stem of the bowl is printed the signature of Giancarlo Savinelli.
On the mouthpiece is a new silver Savinelli logo.
BRIAR LINE SMOOTH, ALMOST NATURAL FINISH
Just enough stain for you to appreciate the fine grains.
54-SavBLSma R10082.70 R6456.00
What an elegant shape, and good for the hand too.
And the grain is superb – flame grain all around the bowl and up through the shank, rising from a beautiful tight birdseye grain
at the base of the bowl.
The saddle is set at a diagonal which contributes to the elegance of the hand cut mouthpiece.
54-SavBLSmb R10082.00
Sale Price R6456.00
A lovely flame grain on two sides of the bowl, with birdseye front and back.
The shank has been specially carved
to make the most of the grain.
Not wanting to break the line of the shank and mouthpiece, the mouthpiece is tapered on the top.
But saddle underneath so that the lip is thinner for extra comfort in the mouth.
54-SavAutoBLA R4893.00
Sale Price R2910.00
This elegant Freehand pipe has not deviated too far from the classis 626 shape in the Savinelli standard collection. But just enough to make the most of the grain.
The light sandblasting on one side of the bowl shows Straight Grain which is confirmed as it leads into the polished front of the bowl.
Moving across this front panel, a little more harder wood runs into tighter almost straight grain. Just check the inside of the bowl.
The muted off-white ring fitted to the mouthpiece, rather than a bright white band, is a nice touch and marks the pipe as part of the Briar Line range.
The flattened rusticated base panel allows this pipe to be free-standing. The Straight Grain is clearly visible on both the outside and the inside of the clean bowl. The light coloured ring on the mouthpiece softens the sharp visual colour change from brown to black – a nice touch.
Weight 49g
54-SavAutoBLB R4893.00 R2910.00
BRIAR LINE – BLACK SANDBLAST
Black sandblast? Not really.
The final polishing develops a rich burgundy glint to the peaks of the deeply sandblasted finish.
54-SavBLSbb R4231.80 R2700.00
A beautiful grain all over the delicately shaped bowl which curves gracefully into the rim.
Typical of the Savinelli touch is the almost triangular stem – with a perfectly distinct edge even on the sandblasted finish.
In this case the edge is set low on the shank, creating a flat base, and a smooth flow from the base of the bowl into the mouthpiece.
Such style!
54-SavAutoSm6
I just had to buy this one – Flame grain from the base of the bowl to the rim, and to the end of the shank.
The hollows on the hand-cut mouthpiece echo the line of the grain.
And now for the briar:
Flawless, close grain; just enough softer wood to create a grain of real beauty.
Naturally the inside of the bowl shows the same beauty, and the birdseye grain on the top of the bowl, is repeated on the underside and top of the shank.
Generous size bowl, you can enjoy each pipeful for a comfortable length of time.
54-SavAutoPan3 R6695.00 R4050.22
When a grain is so beautiful, it is just asking to be displayed by a smooth finish. But that is not enough – the matching birdseye is highlighted by sandblasting, and right where you can appreciate it best.
Now for evidence of the technical ability of the sandblaster – the clean straight line between the two finishes.
Only the best craftsmen are allowed to work on such pipes.
Now hold the pipe slightly sideways and see how the smooth inside of the bowl mirrors the grain of the outside.
Real artistry.
The pipe stands alone – a bonus.
54-SavAutoSbc
Why did I buy this?
A combination of:
The appearance – the smooth rim; the smooth-ended, gently curved shank which is echoed by the shape of the mouthpiece.
The shape – the thick-wooded, solid bowl which it just nestles in the hand.
The really interesting grain displayed by brilliant sandblasting.
I just loved it
– I still do.
54-SavBLSba
The geometrically structured parallel-sided bowl is perfectly matched by the squared shank and flat base.
And with all that – the overall impression is one of restrained elegance, and excellent balance.
Feels great in the hand.
The pipe stands on its own – very useful if you ever feel that you have to put it down.
54-SavBLSmc R9995.00 R6456.00
This is when you appreciate the artistry – this briar ebauchon just couldn’t have been formed into any other shape.
The straight grain all around the bowl just flows.
Even the inside of the bowl is perfect.
And the shank has been specially carved to make the most of the grain.
The thicker rim at the top of the bowl highlights the excellence of the corresponding birdseye grain.
And here’s something new – the inside rim of the bowl is bevelled for more comfortable packing and lighting.
Typical of Savinelli touch is the almost triangular stem – with a perfectly distinct edge.
54-SavBLSbc R4195.00 R2700.00
A bold, strong design.
The Savinelli interpretation of a classic English Lovat – what a success.
The burly bowl is matched perfectly by the shank and mouthpiece.
While the curve of the mouthpiece gives it style.
But wait – the shank is not just an ordinary round: the base forms 3 flat * sides of a hexagon, while the top is tastefully rounded to meld into the mouthpiece.
*So it stands of course.
Finally the grain – the inside of the bowl shows a tight straight grain, confirmed by the birdseye on the polished rim.
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Savinelli Leonardo da Vinci
- 54-SavLeoML
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Leonardo da Vinci investigated the laws of waves and currents, and spent many years in observing and analysing the flight of insects and birds, which provided him with fundamental information about the flying machine which he was sure would one day become reality: 
Savinelli Leonardo da Vinci
- Rustic 54-SavLeoBomSm
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Savinelli Leonardo da Vinci - Study on Light .925Sil Rustic 54-SavLeoLuceSm
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ALL IMAGES AND CONTENT © Colin Wesley 2020
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