Radice Tobacco Pipes: Magnum

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Anyone who has been a pipe smoker for even a short while, and especially someone who seeks out Extra Large and Magnum pipes, would be aware of how unusual and almost unthinkable to find more than one such pipe at the same place, at any given moment. Well, ont this page I'm offering a staggering selection of FIVE Magnum pipes.

Please note the following:

Some of these pipes are "Oil Cured" and "Twin Bore", a much sought-after feature. When that is the case, it is clearly stated within the pipe presentation table (at the top), along with other important information.
To better help you realize the magnitude of these pipes, I'm offering two kinds of pictures: (1) one that shows the pipe in relation to a standard CD, and (2) one that shows the pipe in comparison to the biggest Dunhill I have (a large Group 5, EX).

Grade: G ~ Finish: Rind (Rusticated)

Pipe Code:	RD084	Price:	CHF 360.00
Shape:	Pot	Weight:	94g / 3-5/16 oz
Chamber ų: 23mm (0.91") -- Chamber Depth: 48mm (1.89") -- Wall Thickness: 15mm (0.59") -- Cleaner Passes? Yes
Bowl Height ų: 56mm (2.21") -- Bowl Diameter: 50mm (2") -- Total Pipe Length: 151mm (5.95")
An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.




COMMENT: I know it is a very close call between the Billiard and the Pot. I opted for the later mainly because it is the first shape that came to mind. However, if we consider the measurements, we may reach the same conclusion. As you see from the above measurements, there is a very, very small difference between the height and the diameter of the bowl (6mm), and as far as I know, this is the one detrimental factor when we are choosing between the Billiard and the Pot. For this to be more of a Billiard than of a Pot, we definitely need a more marked difference. I would have loved to see the grain around the bowl before the pipe was rusticated. You see, the bowl top exhibits excellent Bird's Eye, and I sure am glad that Radice kept it in smooth finish. There is also a small cluster of Bird's Eye on the bowl base which, being flat, allows the pipe to rest on a flat surface with no support. While this is an extra large pipe, with lots of wood and a very large tobacco chamber, I believe that one can easily clench on it without problems (you need to consult your dentist first, though ;-)

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Grade: GG ~ Finish: Rind (Rusticated)

Pipe Code:	RD085	Price:	CHF 400.00
Shape:	Panel Billiard	Weight:	123g / 4-11/32 oz
Chamber ų: 24mm (0.95") -- Chamber Depth: 53mm (2.1") -- Wall Thickness: 15mm (0.59") -- Cleaner Passes? Yes
Bowl Height ų: 70mm (2.8") -- Bowl Diameter: 52mm (2.1") -- Total Pipe Length: 165mm (6.5")
An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.




COMMENT: Here I was choosing between the Billiard and the Stack or Chimney. At first, and judging only impressionistically, I wanted to go with the Stack. However, when I measured the shank length (63mm) and the bowl height (70mm), I decided it was more accurate to go with the Billiard. You see, a Stack (Chimney) would have to have a bowl that is much taller, in comparison to the shank length. Traditionally speaking, a Billiard should have a bowl that is equal in height to the shank in length. As the bowl is only very slightly greater in height than the shank is in length, I think it's closer to a Billiard than to a Stack. I know I should have added the word "Freeform" to my shape definition, but I believe it was more important to refer to the panels than to the freeform aspect of the shape. The bowl comes with the classic 8 panels, and the bowl base offers yet a ninth one. It is thanks to that flat bowl base that the pipe can be placed on a flat surface and can stay steadily without support. Both the bowl top and the entire shank are left in natural, smooth finish, which means that the pipe is actually more of a semi-rusticated than a rusticated one. That only adds to the great value that this pipe offers. Mind you, the acrylic mouthpiece is not really solid back in color. It is a blend of black, brown, and purple. You don't really see that when you look at it from the top, but once you turn it to its side, you realize the interwoven waves of colors.

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Grade: "GG" & "O" ~ Finish: Bark (Rusticated, Oil-Cured & Twin-Bore) ~ Extra: 2007

Pipe Code:	RD086	Price:	CHF 500.00
Shape:	Canadian	Weight:	88g / 3-3/32 oz
Chamber ų: 24mm (0.95") -- Chamber Depth: 51mm (2") -- Wall Thickness: 15mm (0.59") -- Cleaner Passes? Yes
Bowl Height ų: 58mm (2.28") -- Bowl Diameter: 52mm (2.1") -- Total Pipe Length: 164mm (6.46")
An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.




COMMENT: We all know that Canadians are extremely difficult to find in large size, let alone in Extra Large. Notwithstanding the hugeness of the pipe, it has not lost any of its delicate and classic features. The combination of the elegant Radice BARK rusticated and the faux bamboo shank makes this pipe a true winner. Add to the equation the size, and you realize that we're faced here with a truly unique Radice pipe. In spite of the bamboo knuckles and thanks to the slightly flattened bowl base, the pipe can rest on its own on a flat surface. Not only is the pipe extra large in size, but it also has so much wood all over the place; this can be easily noted right away through a quick look at the bowl wall thickness.

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Grade: "GG" & "O" ~ Finish: Bark (Rusticated, Oil-Cured & Twin-Bore) ~ Extra: 2007

Pipe Code:	RD087	Price:	CHF 500.00
Shape:	Tomato	Weight:	123g / 4-11/32 oz
Chamber ų: 23.5mm (0.93") -- Chamber Depth: 45mm (1.77") -- Wall Thickness: ->15mm (0.87") -- Cleaner Passes? Yes
Bowl Height ų: 53mm (2.1") -- Bowl Diameter: 59mm (2.32") -- Total Pipe Length: 189mm (7.44")
An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.




COMMENT: This is not only an extremely long pipe, bit it is also extra large in size. I decided to go with the Tomato shape definition, as opposed to the Apple, because of the relation between the bowl diameter and height. As you can see, the difference between the two is not large enough to lead to the Apple. You might be thinking: "Well, you don't need to look at the measurements; it's enough to look at the pipe!" Well, it that's what you're thinking, you're absolutely right, which leads me to move on! The very unique feature here is that the faux bamboo is not really the shank but part of the mouthpiece! Yes, when you remove the mouthpiece, you remove both the mouthpiece and the bamboo shank, since they're both one single piece. Bet you didn't expect that! I'm confident that anyone who likes extra large pipes, you will find one a pipe to grab, with no hesitation. Add to this the attractive BARK finish, the faux bamboo, the Oil Curing, and the Twin-Bore, and you start to realize how much of a one-of-a-kind this pipe is.

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Grade: GG ~ Finish: Clear

Pipe Code:	RD088	Price:	CHF 600.00
Shape:	Freeform Horn	Weight:	132g / 4-21/32 oz
Chamber ų: ->24mm (0.95") -- Chamber Depth: 51mm (2") -- Wall Thickness: ->19mm (0.75") -- Cleaner Passes? Yes
Bowl Height ų: 75mm (2.95") -- Bowl Diameter: 60mm (2.36") -- Total Pipe Length: 175mm (6.89")
An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.






COMMENT: We do agree, I'm sure, that magnum pipes are very hard to find. Imagine then, a Magnum pipe in a SMOOTH natural finish, with excellent grain! I had to pinch myself to realize that I'm not dreaming here! First, let's talk shape. I have to admit that I'm not 100% happy with my shape definition; I added the word "freeform" just to avoid any potential lawsuits! The shape is indeed somewhere between a Horn and a Dublin. It has the aerodynamic elegance of the Horn, combined by the more practical functionality of the Dublin (that is, the upright tobacco chamber, as opposed to the slanted one, typical of the Horn). I think it is a marriage made in heaven, and in all the years I've been smoking, collecting, buying, and selling pipes, I can't recall a single pipe that presented this unique feature. In addition, I love the "neck" of the pipe, where the bowl and shank meet; the angle that that meeting resulted in is absolutely gorgeous and quite "fluid". Those who know about pipe making realize all too well that this is a very, very difficult part to get right. Radice decided to add a silver band that is quite thick, followed by a classic tapered mouthpiece. I think that I should also point out how well-made and potentially comfortable the mouthpiece is. You see, the mouthpiece bit (the part that comes right behind the button) is less than 19mm in width and a mere 4.5mm in thickness. This means that if you choose to clench on the pipe, you can so do without having to hire a PSA (Pipe Smoking Assistant) to hold the pipe for you! The grain is a nice blend of Flame Grain and Bird's Eye; the latter is most evident and impressive on the bowl top.