The Pipes Spanu Pipes: R Grade (Rusticated)

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• Over twenty years ago, Tom Spanu came from his hometown, Sardinia, to Gavirate in northern Italy to learn the secrets of pipe design and making from no less than the master himself, Alberto Paronelli.
• Tommaso continues today to make his pipes completely by handout of the best Sardinian briar and according to tradition while implementing his own innovative designs and concepts.
• All Spanu pipes are stamped:  Tom Spanu

 

Pipe Stamped: R
Pipe Code: SP082 Price: CHF 150.00   Shape: Freeform Stack Weight: 45g / 1-19/32 oz Chamber ø: 21mm --  Chamber Depth: 44mm  --  Wall Thickness: ->11mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
COMMENT: You might be wondering why I went with freeform "Stack" ("Chimney")! Well, I was thinking more along the lines of the Billiard, but that simply didn't cut it. I chose the Stack/Chimney because there is a huge difference between the length of the shank and the height of the bowl (27mm and 51mm, respectively); it is a marked difference like that that, in my opinion, makes a Billiard a Stack/Chimney. As for "freeform", it is for the obvious shape of the lower half of the bowl, with that small "swelling" at the base. The pipe is quite attractive, and the rustication is gorgeous. I'm also so impressed with the feather-weight of the pipe, in spite of the good thickness of the walls and the tobacco chamber capacity! Last but not least is the fact that Spanu left the bowl top in a natural, smooth finish, which stands in great contrast with the black rustication.

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Pipe Stamped: R
Pipe Code: SP085 Price: CHF 150.00   Shape: Bent Apple Weight: 59g / 2-3/32 oz Chamber ø: 21mm --  Chamber Depth: 47mm  --  Wall Thickness: 14mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
COMMENT: The shape definition, Bent Apple, is most definitely the most accurate description of any pipe on this rusticated page. Of course, there are a few touches that make the pipe quite unique. For example, look carefully at the angle created between the bowl and shank. It's very, very tight, which kind of brings to mind one of the important features of the classic Oom Paul (Hungarian) shape. The rustication was done beautifully, and the pipe is fully bent to allow for maximum comfort. I appreciate Spanu's choice of a tapered mouthpiece in this case. Note also the attractive blue-grey, acrylic shank insert, which does indeed add a touch of elegance to the whole design.

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Pipe Stamped: R
Pipe Code: SP122 Price: CHF 150.00   Shape: FF Zulu Weight: 44g / 1-9/16 oz Chamber ø: 20mm --  Chamber Depth: 38mm  --  Wall Thickness: 12mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
COMMENT: You might be a little surprised by my definition of the shape, but if you look carefully, I believe you might agree with me that this shape is closed to the classic Zulu (or Woodstock). Of course, the word "Freeform" is necessary, since there are many deviations from the original shape. The pipe has a solid classic look to it, and at the same time, there are many unique touches. I particularly like the smooth, slanted bowl top, and the special acrylic ring that Spanu added to the shank before the latter meets the saddle mouthpiece. The finish is very attractive, and it also feels good to the touch. The pipe is light in weight, and yet the tobacco chamber is of a medium size. I would compare the tobacco chamber capacity to that of a Dunhill Group 4-5.

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Pipe Stamped: R
Pipe Code: SP123 Price: CHF 150.00   Shape: Squat Apple Weight: 52g / 1-27/32 oz Chamber ø: 21mm --  Chamber Depth: 33mm  --  Wall Thickness: 16mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
COMMENT: This has always been one of my favorite shapes simply because it has some intrinsic elegance and simplicity to it. What I mean by "Squat Apple" is basically the bowl shape of a typical "Prince", but since the pipe as a whole cannot be defined along the Prince guidelines, I opted for the second best definition. If I had a separate Flake Pipe section under the Spanu name, this would definitely be there. I like the slender shank, which enhances the beautiful round shape of the bowl, which measures about 47mm (1.85") in diameter and 40mm (1.58") in height. I would compare the tobacco chamber capacity to that of a Dunhill Group 3 .

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Pipe Stamped: R
Pipe Code: SP124 Price: CHF 150.00   Shape: Dublin Weight: 43g / 1-17/32 oz Chamber ø: 20.5mm --  Chamber Depth: 38mm  --  Wall Thickness: 11mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
COMMENT: There is a mystery about how this pipe was graded. You see, the nomenclature shows not only the expected "R", but also an "F", before it. So at first sight, one would take this for an FR grade and not an R grade. However, Spanu charged me for it what he charged me for an R grade, and so I'm doing the same with you. Also, the fact the pipe is almost entirely rusticated confirms that it should be an R and not an FR. Apart from this, I find the shape quite straighforward, and there is no doubt that you would agree with my shape definition. What I most like about this pipe is the elegant combination of the rustication and the fabulous Bird's Eye on the bowl top. I also like the classic, tapered mouthpiece, which I believe is the best choice for this shape. I would compare the tobacco chamber capacity to that of a Dunhill Group 3.

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