Posella Grade "L" Tobacco Pipes

The Pipes
Posella Pipes: Grade "L" 1-3

Click to go directly to the desired pipe on this page.

Not only is the Posella family business based in Calabria, the land of the best Italian briar, but the family has also been known for decades to be one of the most experienced suppliers of Calabrian briar. For this reason, all Posella pipes, with no exception, are made out of the best briar available in Calabria today, and considering the high quality of Calabrian briar, it is only logical to conclude that the Posella pipes are made out of the best briar in the whole wide world. In addition, most of the pipes produced today are made of briar that has been seasoning for at least 10+ years.

Pipe Code:	PS064	Price:	CHF 200.00
Shape:	Oval Bell	Weight:	45g / 1-19/32 oz
Chamber ų: 22mm -- Chamber Depth: 31mm -- Wall Thickness: 12mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: I don't think I have ever used the combination of "oval" and "bell" in a shape description before. Well, if any pipe deserves the exception, it is this one. First of all, I use the word "Bell", as opposed to "Dublin" due to the big difference in diameter between the bowl base and top. The "oval" aspect is because the bowl is squashed in from the two side, and the diameter in this case is 43x49mm (1.69x1.93"). I truly appreciate the flat, oval shank, followed by a maple wood insert of the shape shape, and later a short, tapered mouthpiece. This comment can never be complete without pointing out the incredibly beautiful and tight Straight Grain and the Flame Grain around the bowl, and the stunning Bird's Eye on the bowl top.

[Back to Top]

Pipe Code:	PS094	Price:	CHF 200.00
Shape:	Chuby Apple	Weight:	70g / 2-15/32 oz
Chamber ų: 22.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 39mm -- Wall Thickness: 15mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: "Chubby Apple" is quite a simplistic definition of this very intricate and unique shape. Yes, it is a sort of Apple or Author, and yes, it is chubby. We have to also acknowledge the fact that the Apple bowl is not quite completely developed (vertically, that is); in other words, we can safely consider this shape also "squat". In other words, it's somewhere between the Apple and the Prince, in terms of bowl shape. Oh, I almost forgot to draw your attention to the fact that the bowl is also very slightly oval; you may see this by looking at the second picture, from the left. The pipe is quite robust, and it is a handful. The grain is beautiful, and to have such grain, with such walnut finish, in such an elegant shape AND in such a large size is quite a treat. The bowl diameter is a staggering 52mm (2.1 inches) and the bowl height is about 48mm (1.89 inches). TIP: I believe that this pipe and the PS096 below would make a fabulous two-pipe set.

[Back to Top]

Pipe Code:	PS037	Price:	CHF 230.00
Shape:	Bulldog-Lovat	Weight:	76g / 2-11/16 oz
Chamber ų: 21.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 45mm -- Wall Thickness: 17mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: When I first saw this pipe, I paused for a minute to grasp its shape and size. I don't know exactly what made Vitaliano make this pipe this way, but he definitely managed to bring to life a very unique and most intriguing shape. The bowl shape could go either way: Bulldog or Rhodesian, with only one groove around the bowl. The two sides of the bowl base have been flattened, a touch that took the pipe directly into uncharted territory when it comes to pipe design. Having said that, in yesteryears, Bulldogs were made with that elegant touch. The shank is in the classic diamond shape, which emphasizes more the idea of the Bulldog. Apparently, Vitaliano was not happy with the shank length, which was more than respectable; he made a briarwood shank extension, which took the shank length of 37mm (1.46") to an impressive 69mm (2.72"). Then he fitted the pipe with a short, saddle mouthpiece, also with a diamond-shaped base. What I need to make sure you understand is that this pipe is both extra large and extra long, though the bowl capacity could be compared to that of a Dunhill Group 6 or more. The pipe measures a total length of 158mm (6.22"), and the bowl measures 52mm in height and 54mm in diameter. If you like large, long-shanked pipes in general, and the Bulldog, Rhodesian, and/or the Lovat, in particular, this pipe could not come more highly recommended.

[Back to Top]

Pipe Code:	PS052	Price:	CHF 230.00
Shape:	Dublin-Canadian	Weight:	47g / 1-21/32 oz
Chamber ų: 21.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 38mm -- Wall Thickness: 12mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: Dublin-Canadian, what a beautiful combination! It's like music to my ears! Actually, there is more to this pipe than even the impressive combination of the Dublin and the Canadian. Most of those extras are actually found in the size and shape of the bowl. First of all, you may notice that the bowl is not as tall as you would expect it to be, which means it is slight "squashed", which makes an indirect reference to the Pot (without the Pot shape!). The bowl is also slightly oval, measuring 43x47mm (1.69x1.85"). Moreover, there is a slight slant on the bowl top, which has indeed added an extra dimension of elegance and gracefulness to the shape design. As for the shank, and while it is oval (just like in the case of the Canadian), it is tapered, as well, starting at the bowl at 16mm and meeting the mouthpiece with a height of only 13mm. Posella chose to use his beautiful brown-golden stain, and boy am I glad he did! The stain brought out the best of the grain, which was already impressive in its natural, untreated state. As a matter of fact, I believe this pipe deserves a higher grade than that, but it's in my benefit (and above all, yours) not to argue!

[Back to Top]

Pipe Code:	PS083	Price:	CHF 230.00
Shape:	XL Dublin	Weight:	59g / 2-3/32 oz
Chamber ų: 23mm -- Chamber Depth: 43mm -- Wall Thickness: 12mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: If you're wondering why this pipe weighs what it weighs, let me tell you. The pipe is quite large, with extremely thick walls, and extra shank length. As you may have realized, the shank is made up of two piece, with the extension slightly light in color, and with a black, acrylic band dividing/uniting the parts. The saddle mouthpiece is of full length, and that is primarily why I didn't hesitate to define the shape as a Dublin. You may be more inclined to use the term "Bell", and I won't argue with you because indeed the difference in diameter between the bowl rim and base is quite marked for a classic Dublin. The grain is a combination of Flame Grain around the bowl, and some fabulous Bird's Eye on the bowl top. In spite of the weight, and due to the comfortable mouthpiece, I expect the pipe to a pleasure to smoke whether you prefer to hold it in your hand or clench on it.

[Back to Top]

Pipe Code:	PS095	Price:	CHF 230.00
Shape:	Freeform Panel	Weight:	51g / 1-13/16 oz
Chamber ų: 22mm -- Chamber Depth: 34mm -- Wall Thickness: 7-14mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: I know that my shape definition here is not really a definition; that is, when you see it without seeing the pipe, you simply expect an usual shape with panels. Apparently, there is a lot more to this shape that this simple definition. Thank God we have pictures. The shape is quite complex, with all the panels. There are 8 panels around the bowl, but also the bowl top shows 4 panels, and so does the shank. Also the bowl base is shaped into 5 facets, with the bottom surface included. Of course, what really, really makes this pipe a treat is the stunning grain. Anyone who appreciate Bird's Eye should simply fall in love with this pipe (I have)! The straightforward tapered mouthpiece is the perfect choice for this shape, since it adds a classic and traditional touch to the overall design.

[Back to Top]

Pipe Code:	PS096	Price:	CHF 230.00
Shape:	Chubby Prince	Weight:	84g / 2-31/32 oz
Chamber ų: 22.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 36mm -- Wall Thickness: 17mm -- Cleaner Passes?Yes



COMMENT: "Chubby Prince" is quite a simplistic definition of this very intricate and unique shape. To be more accurate, we need to include the following words in our shape definition: Apple, Squat, Author, Pot, to mention but a few. In other words, I strongly believe that this is not only a complex shape when it comes to design, but it is also one that is very, very, extremely hard to come by. The pipe has such thick walls, and it is stunning that it does not weigh more, a lot more. The grain is absolutely wonderful, with a delicate mixture of Flame grain and Bird's Eye. The combination of beautiful grain, elegant shape, unique design, extra large size AND this affordable grade makes this pipe a true catch. The bowl diameter is a staggering 55mm (2.17 inches) and the bowl height is about 43.5mm (1.71 inches). TIP: I believe that this pipe and the PS094 above would make a fabulous two-pipe set.

[Back to Top]

-