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Spanu Pipes: Rusticated

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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
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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
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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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Pipe Stamped: FR    ~    Other stamps: 2004
Pipe Code: SP065 Price: CHF 170.00  
Shape: Stack (Chimney) Weight: 55g / 1-15/16 oz
Chamber ø: 22.5mm --  Chamber Depth: 43mm  --  Wall Thickness: 12mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
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COMMENT:

This pipe is the biggest and most classic in this FR grade. The bowl stands at 52mm (a little over 2 inches) tall. The shank is probably a little longer than what you would expect, and that's led me to measure both the height of the bowl and the length of the shank. If they were equal (or the shank a tiny bit longer), it would have been defined as a Billiard. But, it's not. The shank is 45mm (1.77 inches) long, with the black acrylic band included. The briarwood band is part of the saddle mouthpiece, not the shank. I would compare the tobacco chamber size to a Dunhill Group 6.
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Pipe Stamped: FR
Pipe Code: SP087 Price: CHF 170.00  
Shape: Freehand Weight: 49g / 1-23/32 oz
Chamber ø: 20.5mm --  Chamber Depth: 40mm --  Wall Thickness: ->14mm  --  Cleaner Passes?  Yes
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COMMENT:

If you know me, then I expect you are surprised by my choice of "Freehand" to describe this shape! Well, I did that because nothing else would do the pipe justice, not even Freeform Apple/Billiard. Actually the bowl can be seen as egg-shaped by some people. The whole trick here lies in the uppermost part of the bowl, with that particular shape that Spanu created. The shape of the bowl kind of reminds me of an antique vase or clay pot. Note also how fully bent the pipe is, and you can see that more clearly by looking at the tight angle between the bowl and shank. Indeed, you can't help but think of the classic Oom Paul (Hungarian). The smooth segment of the pipe is definitely larger than the rusticated part, and I have to add that the grain is absolutely fabulous, a blend of Flame Grain and Bird's Eye.
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