Talamona L'Artigiano Bent Billiard 108

• Overall Length: 129mm
• Overall Height: 54mm
• Bowl Height: 47mm
• Bowl Width: 39mm
• Bore: 19mm
• Filter: None
• Weight: 46g
• Pipe Bag Included

Some pipes are rather handsome, and then there's this Talamona 108, which has clearly made a bit of an effort for the occasion.

The bowl is a lovely warm honey-brown, polished to bring out the swirling grain of the briar. There's plenty to admire here, particularly around the heel, where the grain curls and wanders in all directions. A few natural marks are visible too. That's briar for you; it's a piece of wood, not a billiard ball.

The bent billiard shape is nicely proportioned, with a generous rounded heel and a shank that rises gracefully towards the mouthpiece. And what a mouthpiece it is. Amber, cream and black mingle in a marbled pattern that gives the pipe a splendid bit of Italian character.

A little about Talamona

Founded by Cesare Talamona in Italy during the 1970s, the Talamona name became associated with expressive briar pipes and distinctive shapes. The marque later came under the stewardship of Italian pipe maker Paolo Croci.

The L'Artigiano 108 carries on that tradition rather nicely. A familiar shape, beautiful warm colouring and a mouthpiece that ensures it won't be mistaken for the next pipe along the rack.