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Read more about Prestige Pipes PRESTIGE PIPES |
| Possibly you could think of Prestige pipes
as falling into 3 categories: Classic shapes - Designer pipes - 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. |
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| Straight Grain 2 Star Root Briar;
Bent Rhodesian (2009) 54-DHDPZ2ST R13 595.00  Straight Grain pipes cannot be made – they can only be found, and only from the best part of the root. And here Dunhill has found a truly magnificent specimen in the  Root Briar finish, which is used only used for the best quality and most beautiful grains. The delicate grain is followed all the way round the bowl and up the stem – and by choosing the Bent Rhodesian shape the pipe maker allows the smoker to appreciate the Birds Eye grain over the top of the bowl. The fine crafting of the rings adds to the beauty of the pipe. As you would expect, the bowl is flawless and perfectly cured, and consequently relatively light weight (39g) for a smooth pipe of this shape. The size about that of a Group 3 pipe. Dunhill stamps Straight Grain pipes “D R” – standing for Dead Root; with, since 1979, a number of stars (up to 7) for size. Originally the finish was Bruyere, but since 1930 the, then new, Root Briar finish has been most often used. More about the markings on Dunhill Straight Grain (DR) pipes |
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Nobody makes a more consistent classic bent pipe than Savinelli.
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Nording Freehands
The individually selected freehand pipes are very beautiful, very smokeable, and not over-the-top in price.
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.
The finished pipes are large, and the wood is thick – but the diameter of the tobacco cavity is the standard 20mm.
His freehand pipes are very beautiful, very smokeable, and not over-the-top in price.
Harmony
Harmony is a perfect description of these quality briar Nording pipes, with elegant multi-tone coloured finishes.
This time we chose three pipes.
Only one of each – the pipe you see is the pipe you will get. Each pipe comes with a lovely drawstring bag, to protect your pipe when you carry it.
They feel very good in the hand, and Erik Nording has made certain that the briar is top quality, the finish is durable, and the smoking experience excellent. We only buy when we can select the pipes ourselves. This is our second shipment – the first fulfilled all expectations.
Patterned brown finish - black mouthpiece - 9mm filter option
54-NordHrmBrnA R3300.00 
Patterned brown finish - black mouthpiece - 9mm filter option
54-NordHrmBrnB R3300.00
Patterned grey finish - white non-filter mouthpiece
54-NordHrmGry R3300.00
The Signature Series
New this year, we couldn’t resist these autographed pipes.
But the pickings were thin and we had to settle for only two Smooth Natural pipes, and two Black Grain.
Four distinctive pipes - the pipe you see is the pipe you’ll get.
Each pipe comes with a lovely drawstring bag, to protect your pipe when you carry it.
Smooth Natural
As they are smoked the softer briar will darken, exposing the amazing grains. Two shapes
We wiped the pipes with a wet cloth so you can get an pre-view of what’s to come See
54-NordSignNatA R2350.00
54-NordSignNatB R2350.00
Black Grain
These Signature pipes have had some of the softer wood etched with a black stain,
creating an overall dramatic smokey look to each pipe.
54-NordSignBlkA R2350.00
54-NordSignBlkB R2350.00
We expect the Nording Signature pipes to offer the same excellent smoking qualities experienced with the previous shipment of Nording Harmony pipes.
about the Nording Pipe in blog posts 367 and 399
| UNUSUAL FINISHES – DESIGNER PIPES - SAVINELLI |
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 2017 Limited Editions
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 Prestige Collection 2016 Limited Editions
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.
Sandblast
54-SavColl2016Sb R5795.00 R3507.50
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.
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-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.
Savinelli Autograph Panelled
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.
Savinelli Autograph Classic Sandblast
54-SavAutoSbb R5500.00 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.
54-SavAutoSba R5500.00 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-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-SavAutoSbd R5500.00 R3530.70
What a grain!
The entire bowl and the shank display an incredibly tight straight grain.
Naturally, the mirror-smooth inside of the bowl shows the same tight straight grain, confirmed by the birdseye pattern on the rim.
The artistry of the designer:
The shank is cut at an angle to match the grain on each side of the pipe.
And here’s something new – the inside rim of the bowl is bevelled for more comfortable packing and lighting.
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-SavBLSmb R9995.00 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-SavBLSma R9995.00 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-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.
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 R4195.00 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-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-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.
| FLAVOUR SERIES PIPES - Savinelli |
The Limited edition Savinelli Espresso set
Pipe plus espresso cup and saucer.
Rich brown rusticated finish, with white and brown mock horn band.
Elegant bent shape with 6mm option, includes adapter and 10 balsa filters.
Hessian bag. Beautifully boxed.
54-SavEsp R2695.00 R1608.99 SOLD OUT
A typical Italian thought
– how can you enjoy a smoke without a quick cup of espresso to enhance it?
We can vouch for the quality of the briar, and the overall quality of the smoking experience.
You will have to supply the coffee.
And with all the different coffees available today, choosing one could be an enjoyable experience in itself.
Did you know?
"Espresso needs to be drunk very quickly, while the "crema" is still on top. The crema is a creamy emulsion of the coffee's oils, and acts as a lid covering the espresso, keeping all the aromas in. That said, it dissipates quickly.
Read “How to drink Espresso coffee like an Italian”
Savinelli Miele
Miele – the pipe with honey in its soul
54-SavMieleK 
- Kingsize shape 677K
54-SavMieleR - Regular shape
This pipe continues in the “flavour” series (which started with Chocolate and Coffee).
A sweet-toned honey colour bowl is complemented by the unusual mouthpiece which is reminiscent of the hive of a bee.
The paste lining the bowl has a delicate scent of nectar.
The accompanying tamper is in the style of the classic honey collecting tool.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519): The Genius - painter, inventor, mathematician, physicist, sculptor Each pipe in the collection features the appropriate figure on a Shield (.925sil) mounted on the shank; The range now comprises “La Giaconda - Mona Lisa”, “Il Cavallo -The Horse”, “Flight - Ala Battente” - Special Orders only (if available)
Savinelli Leonardo da Vinci smooth pipe Leonardo Collection, Limited Edition 54-SavLeoUomoSm
Savinelli Leonardo da Vinci rustic pipe Leonardo Collection, Limited Edition 54-SavLeoBalR R2750.00
Savinelli Leonardo da Vinci smooth pipe 54-SavLeoCVSm
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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: 
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 2018
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