The Pipes Mastro De Paja Pipes: Red Sandblast 1B

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Grade as stamped on the pipe:  1B
Pipe Code: MP108 Price: CHF 180.00   Shape: Prune Weight: 30g / 1-1/16 oz Chamber ø: 20.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 44mm  --  Wall Thickness:  8.5mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: Believe me, I'm still astonishes how a pipe weigh that little while having such a large tobacco chamber (about a Dunhill Group 5). All this and there isn't even a trace of compromise anywhere. For example, the walls are on average 8.5mm, which is more than good. The pipe has what I would call a "pencil shank", that is, a shank that measures only 12.5mm in diameter. The saddle mouthpiece is also a Finshtail, measuring 12.5mm at the shank joint and 18mm at the button. The Ringblast is fabulous, but you can see that in the photos.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe:  1B ~P
Pipe Code: MP109 Price: CHF 180.00   Shape: Volcano Weight: 60g / 2-1/8 oz Chamber ø: 21.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 40mm  --  Wall Thickness:  ->13mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: This must be the first time I use the word "Volcano" to describe a Mastro De Paja shape, but this baby is indeed a Volcano, and it is more so than a lot of shapes, randomly called so nowadays. I could also describe it as a Freeform Brandy, which it is, but as we have a more accurate name, we might as well! I love the tapered shank acrylic insert and how it meets with the very, very unique tapered mouthpiece. It's like a super model's waist line!

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Grade as stamped on the pipe:  1B
Pipe Code: MP110 Price: CHF 180.00   Shape: Billiard Weight: 41g / 1-7/16 oz Chamber ø: 22mm  --  Chamber Depth: 40mm  --  Wall Thickness:  9mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: Out of all the shapes out there, the Billiard never fails to impress when it is truly a Billiard, and this one is. The choice of a tapered mouthpiece succeeded in affirming that the maker's intention to make a classic Billiard. The bowl rim is smooth, with a dark red-brown stain and shows Bird's Eye. The blast on this pipe is a clear testimony to the Mastro De Paja's first-class blasting skills. The tobacco chamber is very, very large, and it goes way beyond the size of all standard Dunhill group sizes.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe:  1B ~ L
Pipe Code: MP111 Price: CHF 210.00   Shape: Cheerywood Weight: 42g / 1-15/32 oz Chamber ø: 20mm  --  Chamber Depth: 42mm  --  Wall Thickness:  8mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: This is one of the most impressive Mastro pipes in this selection, and there are many reasons why I strongly think so. First of all, check out the very elegant and quite rare shape. Note the 6-panel, tapered shank, complements by a very elaborately inscribed 6-panel silver band. Move on to see the Army Mount and the elegant, straight-forward tapered mouthpiece. When you place the pipe on a flat surface, you get to see the truly charming design and the elegance and harmony it presents. To add fuel to the fire, I'd like to remind you that this pipe weighs nothing more than a staggeringly little 42g (1-15/32 oz)!

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Grade as stamped on the pipe:  1B ~ S
Pipe Code: MP112 Price: CHF 220.00   Shape: Bell Weight: 50g / 1-3/4 oz Chamber ø: 21.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 36.5mm  --  Wall Thickness:  11mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: I opted for "Bell", rather than "Freeform Dublin" simply because I find the difference in diameter between the bowl rim and the bowl base quite large, and on a true Dublin (even a freeform one), the difference shouldn't be that big. In addition, this pipe has the most elaborate silver work on this page, with a double silver mounting, one on the shank and the other as part of the mouthpiece. The Army Mount does indeed give the pipe a more traditional look. The Ringblast is not only fabulous but it is, in my opinion, one of the best blasting jobs Mastro, or any other maker, can ever produce.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe:  1B ~ L
Pipe Code: MP113 Price: CHF 210.00   Shape: XL Cheerywood Weight: 66g / 2-11/32 oz Chamber ø: 21.5mm  --  Chamber Depth: 44mm  --  Wall Thickness:  ->11mm  --  Cleaner Passes? Yes
COMMENT: Trust me, this pipe is massive in size. Mastro was happy enough with such a massive piece, in this elegant and rare shape, with this incredible grain and blast, he actually decided to make it even more unique by adding a huge silver band to the shank, inscribed with the maker's name and city, and an Army Mount, with a very elaborately designed saddle mouthpiece. Having being in this business for over 8 years, and a collector for about double that, I stand on awe that such a pipe, with all it offers, can be offered for sale for this more than reasonable price. You see why I'm a strong believer in Italian pipes!

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