Mastro De Paja Smooth Natural Tobacco Pipes

The Pipes
Mastro De Paja Pipes: Smooth Natural 3B & 3C

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Grade as stamped on the pipe: 3C

Pipe Code:	MP023	Price:	CHF 480.00
Shape:	1/4 Freeform Rhodesian	Weight:	61g - 2 5/32 oz
Chamber ų: 20mm -- Chamber Depth: 41mm -- Wall Thickness: 16mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes



COMMENT: I guess only few could argue with the definition Rhodesian. I may just explain why I think it is not a typical Rhodesian, and hence the word "freeform": (1) The bowl rim goes in towards the tobacco chamber but then goes back straight up, and (2) The bowl "neck" is a bit more rounded and slender than that of a typical Rhodesian (this in turn sort of led to a more acute angle between the bowl and the shank). The pipe is a great piece, in every way, shape and form (excuse the pun)! I particularly like the Army Mount, the briar insert in the mouthpiece, and the double black rings incorporated into the shank.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe: 3C

Pipe Code:	MP100	Price:	CHF 480.00
Shape:	XL Panel Horn	Weight:	68g / 2-13/32 oz
Chamber ų: 21mm -- Chamber Depth: 50mm -- Wall Thickness: 12-15mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes



COMMENT: In every site update that involves addition of new pipes, there is the "Star of the Show", and this pipe here is definitely the Star of this update. This is mainly due to the very unique Horn shape, combined with an 8-panel bowl; this is definitely not a usual or easy to find combination. Added to this is the extra large size of the bowl, and the wonderful grain all around the bowl. I love the way the eight panels around the bowl are carried onto the shank, and then onto the mouthpiece. I'm particularly impressed by the unbelievably light weight of the pipe and how much balance it has. This is what first-class pipe making is all about.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe: 3B ~ L ~ Sun

Pipe Code:	MP121	Price:	CHF 420.00
Shape:	XL Bulldog	Weight:	66g / 2-11/32 oz
Chamber ų: 22.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 54mm -- Wall Thickness: 14mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes



COMMENT: I could write a LONG comment about this pipe, but I'll try and keep it short. This is most definitely one of the most impressive and the largest Bulldogs I have ever seen, let alone offer on sale here. I was a little hesitant whether I should call it Bulldog or Rhodesian. The bowl top, as far as I see it, is more of a Rhodesian, but the tall bowl imposed on me the idea of the Bulldog. The pipe is massive, and the walls are so thick. There's this fabulous, discreet and yet elegant, silver "cap", followed by the classic Army Mount, with the straightforward, classic tapered mouthpiece. I love the way the mouthpiece joins the shank, with the beautiful silver work in-between. Balance is usually the first thing I look for when the pipe is so large, and believe me, a pipe couldn't offer more balance than this one.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe: 3B ~ N

Pipe Code:	MP122	Price:	CHF 420.00
Shape:	Panel Poker	Weight:	64g / 2-1/4 oz
Chamber ų: 22mm -- Chamber Depth: 48mm -- Wall Thickness: 12mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes



COMMENT: If I remember correctly, this is probably the first time I use the combination of "Poker" and "Panel" to describe one pipe. The bowl is shaped with 8 different panel, leading on to three flat edges before the bowl base, and then the bowl base is a flat one panel. The very interest feature is the perfectly round shank, which, surprisingly, not only suits the bowl design, but actually, and in a lot of ways, complements it. I couldn't even imagine this pipe with a shank of a different design. You then have a thick silver band that paves the way to the elegant and elaborate acrylic mouthpiece. There is something very curious about this pipe: the logo on the mouthpiece is not the plain silver dot, but rather the Sun Logo. As far as I know, this logo is used with pipes that accommodate a filter. To my surprise, the pipe does NOT take a filter. Now, if that's not unusual and unique, I don't know what is!!

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Grade as stamped on the pipe: 3C

Pipe Code:	MP123	Price:	CHF 500.00
Shape:	Rhodesian-Lovat	Weight:	46g / 1-5/8 oz
Chamber ų: 20.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 40mm -- Wall Thickness: 14mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes



COMMENT: I just couldn't comment about this pipe objectively even if I made a serious and whole-hearted effort! I have always loved the Lovat, and I have always admired the elegance of the Rhodesian. This means that I could never resist a pipe that combines these two shapes, let alone a medium-sized one, in a smooth natural finish, with such beautiful grain. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the short, saddle mouthpiece is ever slightly bent, which is hardly noticeable. This is bound to offer a little more comfort by absorbing a bit of the weight (which is already minimal considering the size and the amount of wood there is all over over the pipe). If I had the guess the size of the tobacco chamber, I would compare to a Dunhill Group 3-4.

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Grade as stamped on the pipe: 3C ~ L ~ Sun

Pipe Code:	MP124	Price:	CHF 520.00
Shape:	Apple	Weight:	48g / 1-11/16 oz
Chamber ų: 21mm -- Chamber Depth: 37mm -- Wall Thickness: 12mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes



COMMENT: Occasionally, I would get to see an Apple that reminds me of the pure elegance and appeal of this classic shape, and this pipe does just that. The bowl could not belong to anything but a classic Apple, and Mastro didn't leave it at that. They opted for a large silver cap, with the brand name inscribed on it. The choice of a simple, classic tapered mouthpiece is the best option in my opinion, and it does play an important role in giving the pipe this very classy, classic look and feel. While the pipe appears to be small and is very light in weight, the tobacco chamber is comparable to that of a Dunhill Group 5, at least.

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