Pipe - Briar - (3)
05
days
07
hours
46
minutes
11
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Sebastian Schulze
Has over 20 years' expertise in vintage fountain pens and auction consulting.
Estimate € 240 - € 270
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 Bidder 9644 | €50 | |
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Description from the seller
Identification and Historical Context
The group consists of three Italian pipes from the 1970s, not from standard commercial production, but traceable to:
a Raffaello,
a Woodart
an experimental laboratory pipe from the Comasco
The context is historically correct and known to professionals in the field:
Between the late 1960s and the mid-1970s, several high-level laboratories from the Como area (Cantù, Carimate, Lurago, Cucciago) were working on experimental forms for:
to confront oneself with the Danish freehand school
testing new lines, proportions, and balance adjustments
to evaluate the pipes internally and then hand them over to the artisan who had made them, who sold them privately.
This explains the absence of complete marks, atypical numbering, and absolute uniqueness.
Analysis of the individual pipes
RAFFAELLO – Freehand rustic piece
Attribution: Raphael (Italy)
Period: early / mid 1970s
Features
Organic, deep rusticity, not repetitive.
Balanced head–barrel proportions
Antique ebonite mouthpiece, handmade.
Well-centered chamber, generous thicknesses.
Typical genuine handcrafted production, not mass-produced. Estimated collectible value (2026):
EUR 220 – 300
WOODART – Freehand smooth/sculptural
Attribution: Woodart (Italy)
Period: the 1970s
Features
Sculpted body, with a decorative through-hole
Superior quality rootstock
Finish with visible veining
Original ebonite, shaped.
Pipa, not reproducible in series, conceived as a study in form.
Estimated value
EUR 280 – 380
EXPERIMENTAL PIPE – LABORATORIES OF THE COMO AREA (Castle area?)
Attribution
Experimental production from the Como area, probably the Castello / Carlo Scotti area, unbranded by choice.
Period
early / mid-70s
Key elements
no markings and test numbers
Nozzle with a brass dot (consistent with the Castello / Mastro de Paja area)
Strongly Danish-oriented form
Rustication and construction of the highest level.
Absolute uniqueness (single piece)
This type of pipe isn’t intended for the market, but for internal evaluation.
Actual collectible value:
EUR 350 – 500
(greater potential if properly contextualized for sale)
ASSESSMENT OF THE COLLECTION (3 PIPES)
Realistic total value (bulk sale):
EUR 900 – 1,150
Important strategic note
These pipes should not be sold as "anonymous freehands".
The written story is an integral part of value.
Identification and Historical Context
The group consists of three Italian pipes from the 1970s, not from standard commercial production, but traceable to:
a Raffaello,
a Woodart
an experimental laboratory pipe from the Comasco
The context is historically correct and known to professionals in the field:
Between the late 1960s and the mid-1970s, several high-level laboratories from the Como area (Cantù, Carimate, Lurago, Cucciago) were working on experimental forms for:
to confront oneself with the Danish freehand school
testing new lines, proportions, and balance adjustments
to evaluate the pipes internally and then hand them over to the artisan who had made them, who sold them privately.
This explains the absence of complete marks, atypical numbering, and absolute uniqueness.
Analysis of the individual pipes
RAFFAELLO – Freehand rustic piece
Attribution: Raphael (Italy)
Period: early / mid 1970s
Features
Organic, deep rusticity, not repetitive.
Balanced head–barrel proportions
Antique ebonite mouthpiece, handmade.
Well-centered chamber, generous thicknesses.
Typical genuine handcrafted production, not mass-produced. Estimated collectible value (2026):
EUR 220 – 300
WOODART – Freehand smooth/sculptural
Attribution: Woodart (Italy)
Period: the 1970s
Features
Sculpted body, with a decorative through-hole
Superior quality rootstock
Finish with visible veining
Original ebonite, shaped.
Pipa, not reproducible in series, conceived as a study in form.
Estimated value
EUR 280 – 380
EXPERIMENTAL PIPE – LABORATORIES OF THE COMO AREA (Castle area?)
Attribution
Experimental production from the Como area, probably the Castello / Carlo Scotti area, unbranded by choice.
Period
early / mid-70s
Key elements
no markings and test numbers
Nozzle with a brass dot (consistent with the Castello / Mastro de Paja area)
Strongly Danish-oriented form
Rustication and construction of the highest level.
Absolute uniqueness (single piece)
This type of pipe isn’t intended for the market, but for internal evaluation.
Actual collectible value:
EUR 350 – 500
(greater potential if properly contextualized for sale)
ASSESSMENT OF THE COLLECTION (3 PIPES)
Realistic total value (bulk sale):
EUR 900 – 1,150
Important strategic note
These pipes should not be sold as "anonymous freehands".
The written story is an integral part of value.
Details
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
3
Material
Briar
Country of Origin
Italy
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
In working order
Yes
Period
1970-1980
