Talamona L'Artigiano Straight Billiard 102
- Overall Length: 151mm
- Overall Height: 49mm
- Bowl Height: 49mm
- Bowl Width: 37mm
- Bore: 19mm
- Filter: None
- Weight: 49g
- Pipe Bag Included
Talamona L'Artigiano Straight Billiard 102
A good piece of briar deserves to be seen, and the Talamona L'Artigiano 102 makes a convincing case for leaving the wood to do the talking.
This Italian-made Straight Billiard has a beautifully warm, reddish-brown finish, polished to reveal the natural grain running through the bowl and shank. Particularly attractive are the sweeping lines around the bowl's flanks, complemented by tighter, swirling grain towards the heel.
The shape is reassuringly traditional: an upright, gently rounded bowl, straight shank and long, tapered black mouthpiece. A slim silver-coloured accent provides a neat finishing touch. The proportions are nicely judged, giving the pipe a substantial bowl while retaining an elegant overall profile.
Talamona has a long association with Italian briar craftsmanship, particularly the work of Cesare Talamona. The marque subsequently passed into the hands of pipe maker Paolo Croci, continuing its connection with artisan pipe production.
The L'Artigiano 102 is a handsome example of the classic Billiard, distinguished by its rich colouring and individual grain. There's a reason this shape has survived every passing fashion in pipe making. When it's done well, there's very little to improve upon.
