Talamona L'Artigiano Curved Brandy 106

• Overall Length: 139mm
• Overall Height: 46mm
• Bowl Height: 46mm
• Bowl Width: 36mm
• Bore: 19mm
• Filter: None
• Weight: 47g
• Pipe Bag Included

There's a fair bit of character in this little Italian number. The Talamona L'Artigiano 106 is a curved Brandy, with a pleasantly rounded bowl, a sweeping shank and a finish that looks as though it's seen a few interesting evenings already.

The briar has been given a deeply textured finish, with dark, almost black ridges running across a rich reddish-brown background. It's particularly handsome around the heel, where the grain forms some lovely swirling patterns. The sort of detail worth turning a pipe over in your hand to admire.

A glossy black mouthpiece follows the curve of the shank, with two narrow gold-coloured rings providing a smart finishing touch. It's an attractive combination, and rather more interesting than another plain black pipe.

A little about Talamona

The Talamona name goes back to Cesare Talamona, an Italian pipe maker who established the marque during the 1970s. The name later passed to Paolo Croci, who continued the tradition of distinctive Italian briar pipes.

The 106 has plenty of the character associated with the marque. A handsome pipe for a quiet evening, a comfortable chair and a tobacco worth taking your time over. The chair, regrettably, is sold separately.