Talamona L'Artigiano Bent Billiard 114

• Overall Length: 138mm
• Overall Height: 59mm
• Bowl Height: 48mm
• Bowl Width: 39mm
• Bore: 20mm
• Filter: None
• Weight: 45g
• Pipe Bag Included

Now here's a piece of briar that's earned its place at the front of the cabinet.

The Talamona L'Artigiano 114 has some particularly handsome grain. On one side, the timber curls around the bowl in dark, sweeping patterns; on the other, it runs in broad, flame-like streaks. The warm walnut stain brings it all out beautifully, and the narrow silver-coloured band gives the black stem a tidy finishing touch.

It's a bent billiard with a pleasingly substantial bowl and a long, easy curve through the shank. The shape has been around for generations, and there's a reason for that. It's comfortable, familiar and rather difficult to improve upon.

The Talamona name goes back to 1929, when Cesare Talamona established his pipe-making business in Italy. Its later revival under Paolo Croci helped preserve a name with considerable history behind it.

There's plenty to admire in this particular example. A lovely bit of timber, sensibly shaped, with just enough decoration to finish the job. Sometimes the briar deserves the last word.