Ropp Grand Duc Smooth Bent Zulu - late 70s, early 80s Estate A Handsome, Forward-Tilting French Daily Workhorse with a Striking Copper Stem Inlay For smokers hunting for a reliable, high-character daily carry with unique geometry, this vintage French Ropp Grand Duc is an exceptional find. Manufactured in the historic briar hub of Saint-Claude, France, this Model 93 features the elegant, sweeping lines of a classic Bent Zulu, offering incredible lightweight clenching physics and a look that punches way above its price point. The Architecture & Outstanding Grain Wrap Cut to a beautiful, textbook Bent Zulu profile, this pipe is defined by its distinctively forward-tilted, graceful bowl and an elegant, slender shank. This aerodynamic stance transitions into a deeply comfortable vulcanite saddle stem. Despite its status as an affordable daily companion, the wood selection is phenomenal: a dense, tight canvas of vertical flame grain wraps completely around the tilted flanks of the bowl, culminating in a lovely display of natural birdseye across the rim. Setting this piece apart is the premium logo execution—the stem features Ropp’s signature logo inlaid in copper, offering a beautiful, warm, reddish-rose metallic contrast against the jet-black vulcanite. Curation & Resto Notes: Condition: Honest, Well-Loved Estate Condition. The exterior briar has been fully cleaned, refreshed, and buffed with premium carnauba wax to bring out that spectacular grain. The stummel shows minor, historic handling dings and the vulcanite stem has minimal light tooth chatter—all completely consistent with an authentic, well-enjoyed vintage pipe. Value-Saver Buyer Note: To keep the final retail price as low as possible for the budget collector, this pipe has received a full exterior cosmetic restoration, but the internal deep-cleaning of the shank and stem airway is left to the new owner. A quick, simple alcohol/pipe-cleaner pass and it's ready to smoke! Nomenclature: Stamped clearly on the shank panels: Left reads ROPP over GRAND DUC, while the right panel carries the crisp shape code 93. Since everyone has their own preferred methods to clean and sterilise internals of the shank and stem, we have intentionally not done this. If you are interested in purchasing this pipe, please use the contact form, we are also open to receiving offers on any pipe. Specifications Maker: Ropp Shape: Bent Zulu Line / Finish: Smooth Country: France Era: 1980s Stem Material: Vulcanite Filter System: None Length: 140 mm Weight: 29 g Chamber Diameter: 20 mm