ser jacopo per aspera ad astra - Pipe - Briar

Pipe data
Brand: Ser Jacopo
Stamppato/marking: PER ASPERA AD ASTRA – Ser Jacopo – HANDMADE
Length: 155 mm
Weight: 55 g
Bore: original with the mother-of-pearl 'J'
Conditions: 8.5/10
Catawiki valuation: €200–€250
Dating

The absence of further stampings (grade, shape or numbering) is unusual in more recent productions, but is found on some specimens from the initial production and the early maturity of Ser Jacopo.

Moreover:

- the 'J' logo on the mouthpiece is consistent with production after the coral dot was abandoned;
- the font of the Ser Jacopo signature and the PER ASPERA AD ASTRA stamp are compatible with the production of the 1990s;
- the rustic finish is typical of the period in which Giancarlo Guidi consolidated the factory's style.
My estimate

I consider it likely that your pipe was made between 1995 and 2002, with a higher probability for the 1996–2000 period.

I wouldn’t date it beyond 2005, because in later productions it is more common to find additional stampings (shape, grade, etc.).

Value

The estimated €200–€250 attributed is consistent with the photographs and with its condition.
If I sold it at a specialized auction dedicated exclusively to pipes (for example with traders or collectors in the field), it could reach €250–€300, especially if accompanied by original case or documentation.

Conclusion

The dating I consider most plausible is:

1996–2000 (with a reasonable margin of ±2-3 years).

It is a Ser Jacopo from the first “mature” production, well preserved and representative of the classic style of the Pesaro-based manufacture. It is not a rare series identifiable by a specific stamp, but it remains a good artisanal specimen with collectible value.