Chris,
The original Dunhill Opera pipes had tapered stems with either white or silver bands. The bowls were oval, the chamber was oval. Dark finish.
The original Castello Opera pipes also had tapered stems with either white or silver bands, but generally white. The bowls were oval, the chamber was round.
(Important): The original Castello Opera pipes were ALL Perla Nera finish. AND (important): ALL Perla Nera finishes were ONLY on the Opera pipes. Later, in the late 80s or early 90s the Opera pipes came in all finishes and colors and Perla Nera finish was also extended to all pipe shapes.
Around this time the stems became almost universally (not always though, as is common with Castello) became saddle stems and the band became white (again usually, not always).
I personally love Lovat shapes! I love saddle stems. They are comfortable. The Opera 44 is similar to a Lovat, but of course more of a pot/billiard in general. That saddle stem works well, is super easy to clench, and for a Castello it is one of their stems that are actually comfortable.
And as said above, that oval bowl is fantastic for travel, or yes even for tucking away in an opera jacket pocket. It really fits well in cases due to the oval shape.