ser jacopo per aspera ad astra - Pipe - Briar

Pipe data
Brand: Ser Jacopo
Punching: PER ASPERA AD ASTRA – Ser Jacopo – HAND MADE
Length: 155 mm
Weight: 55 g
Mouthpiece: original with a mother-of-pearl 'J'
Condition: 8.5/10
Catawiki valuation: €200–€250
Dating

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

Moreover:

- the 'J' logo on the mouthpiece is consistent with production after the abandonment of the coral dot;
- the font of the Ser Jacopo signature and the punch PER ASPERA AD ASTRA are compatible with production in the 1990s;
- the rustication is typical of the period when Giancarlo Guidi consolidated the workshop's style.
My estimate

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

I would not date it beyond 2005, because in later productions it is more common to find additional punch marks (shape, grade, etc.).

Value

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

Conclusion

The dating I find 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 workshop. It is not a rare series identifiable by a specific punch mark, but remains a good artisanal specimen with collectible value.