The Caminetto Pipe: A Tale of Tradition and Innovation
The word "Caminetto" evokes the charm of fairy tales and bygone eras. Indeed, the Caminetto pipe, a name both aptly chosen and historical, has been and continues to be a symbol of quality, despite a temporary absence from stores that raised concerns among its many admirers in Italy and abroad. Let’s explore this story, which is a perfect blend of reality and legend.
In 1968, Peppino Ascorti and Luigi Radice, both artisans trained under Carlo Scotti (Castello), decided to start their own business, following the entrepreneurial tradition of their Brianza homeland. The company’s birth, documented in an informal "birth certificate" signed "with legs under the table" of a restaurant, took place on November 14, 1968. The two founders opened a workshop in Cucciago, near Cantù in the province of Como. They were joined by Gianni Davoli, a charismatic salesman and passionate smoker, known for his distinctive St. James Street bowler hat. It is said that the nickname "pipa del baffo" (the mustache pipe) was inspired by Davoli’s mustache, although it’s rumored that the mustache grew later to match the product. What truly matters is the immediate success of the pipe with its distinctive brand. This pipe quickly gained popularity in Italy and even more so in America, thanks to distribution by Tinder Box, becoming a collector's item.
Recently, a 1976 double-bore pipe was sold for three thousand dollars, while a single-bore pipe fetched two thousand dollars. Distribution in Germany is handled by Otto & Kopp, where the Caminetto also achieved significant success.
Despite the growing demand and the training of new skilled artisans, Ascorti and Radice decided in 1979 to suspend production temporarily to address internal issues. During this period, Caminetto pipes vanished from stores, leading to hoarding and imitation attempts.
Having overcome these challenges and reorganized the company, production resumed in 1985. The strategy involved two main lines: one for traditional smokers with classic models and another reviving the quirky shapes of the past, known as "pipes of the mustache." The latter line, continued by two artisans from the "old" Caminetto, includes models like the "Peppino" series and "Unique," characterized by unique pieces reflecting the wood and creativity of the artisan. The classic line features the "Regular" and "Large" series, exclusively designed by architect Paolo Mazzilli, catering to those seeking excellence in classic designs.
The mustache logo, now redesigned, is displayed in white on black methacrylate mouthpieces, though colored and ebonite mouthpieces are also available. To cater to collectors, a distinctive cross-stamp indicates the model, finish type, series, and year of manufacture (01 for 1986). The pipes are made from high-quality briar, aged for three years, sourced from Liguria and Tuscany. Production involves only a few machines for initial processing and about ninety manual steps, including hand-rusticating.
Today...
What distinguishes Caminetto pipes from Ascorti models is not the quality and craftsmanship but the shape. Caminetto is not a sub-brand or an economy brand—some companies use such tactics to work with lower-quality wood—but a premium brand closely tied to classic shapes. Since 1986, the Ascorti family has been able to reuse the Caminetto name, applying the Ascorti brand to more free-form and quirky shapes, while retaining the Caminetto brand for classic models that do not adhere to strict English classicism. Caminetto pipes, with their light and delicate elegance, show that Bulldog and Rhodesian shapes need not be bulky or heavy. The company, which employs six people, produces around 4,500 pieces annually (including Ascorti-branded pipes). Each pipe is handcrafted, with particular attention given to the mouthpiece, which boasts a rare level of quality for acrylic mouthpieces. As with Ascorti pipes, the head colors depend on the wood quality: the best woods with attractive grain are dyed with natural or orange stain; good-quality woods with less prominent grain are dyed red; and woods with defects are sandblasted or rusticated. All models offer excellent performance.
