Ah the Fritz Becker story one that was shared with me by a fellow from a banjo forum I was on, he sent the printed account of Mr. Becker to me when I purchased a Castello pipe from him.
Fritz Becker was an Austrian Jew who was an architect and left Austria almost 2 days before the Nazi invasion. Fritz found his way to England by train and went the English Secret Service to introduce himself tell them where he had come from, that he was fluent in 7 languages and would like to help in the war effort against the Nazi's in any capacity that he could. He ended up translating messages and breaking codes.
After the war ended Fritz found his way to Rome Italy where he started his architectural business. Pipes were in short supply so Fritz found himself picking one up now and again and working on them until they met his smoking requirements and eventually began making pipes for himself and some friends and was later encouraged to sell some of his pipes which was done as private brands through various pipe shops in Italy.
He eventually met an Italian woman, fell in love and was married. The pipes marked as Becker came soon after and more after he retired with Paulo by his side.
Fritz was always a likable gentleman who was humble and anyone who ever had any discussion with Paulo can easily see he got that from his father. Fritz was also named an ambassador on Jewish affairs to the Vatican, quite an honor. With both Fritz and Paulo now gone Federico Becker, the third generation, has picked up the mantle producing fine Italian pipes. Regards.
banjo
