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Kevin Godbee
- Dec 23, 2025
- 1 min read
Our featured guest tonight is longstanding pipe collector Tom Pfaeffle. Tom is a long-time member of the pipe collecting community and enthusiast whose experience spans decades of engagement with briar pipes, tobacco culture, and pipe show attendance. His great-grandfather smoked a corncob pipe, and he started smoking and collecting pipes in the 1970s. Pipe shows were quite different then with few to no pipe makers, and lots of hobbyist showing their collections that weren’t for sale. At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, Brian will discuss what are referred to as “magic pipes”. This is in response to a question sent in by one of our listeners.
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The Pipes Magazine Radio Show features interviews with pipe makers, tobacco blenders, pipe and tobacco aficionados, collectors, and more. Episodes air every Tuesday.
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We hope you enjoy our 1-hour show produced just for you—the pipe smoker and collector.
Written by Kevin Godbee
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This may seem out of character for Pundit, but I am truly captivated by the Ser Jacopo Insanus. Years ago, I purchased an enormous, barn-sized pipe and tucked it away, only to forget about it. Recently, the urge to hold it resurfaced, prompting a frantic search through my collection until I found my prized Insanus. It’s an impressive, beautifully rusticated paneled bowl with bamboo shank extension—possibly weighing just over five ounces. I love it! To clarify, “insanus” in Latin can mean “incredible.” I must admit, I learned this not from my distant high school Latin but from consulting a dictionary. Okay, a few pipe makers go for heavy-duty pipes, of course. But the Ser Jacopo brand has not been shy about creating, well, great ol’ big ‘uns, and a few that defy the imagination. Some of the Ser Jacopo creations seemingly belong in a museum of art. Which makes sense when you look at the name’s origins. 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I enjoyed your answer to Pablo’s question regarding the “magic pipe”.
Good to hear Pablo’s group is growing and plans to help us at the Chicago Show.
Tom was a fascinating guest with great stories about pipes, pipe collectors and pipe lore. His other interests, singing, dancing and Kendo make for a guy with a truly intriguing lifestyle.
“Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” performed by The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and their collaborators brought a wonderful message to us all..
“Christmas In Any Language” was the perfect way to end your show.
Thanks for another always entertaining show.
Dino