A long time ago I read about him, had his own land in Italy with his own Briar I believe in Calaberi Italy, saw that he had a good reputation on the West Coast when East Coast Carvers were touted as the only game in town. His pipes are solid well made smokers, Rick Newcome touts his pipes, he should know, I have 2 unsmoked and 7 that I rotate. They will go up when he passes . If you like his work grab it , I did and I am not sorry