Thanks!
Yes, the prices on SP are more expensive, compared to the Italian sellers...I bought my SJ about six years ago on sale at SP, but I don't expect to see those price on new SJ's again. I'd definitely look at the Italian online retailers. I'm well pleased with my SJ. Most of my pipes are more down-market, so it's good to have a few higher end briars, including a Ferndown sent me by a member some years ago.
I ordered a Ser Jacopo a few months ago from LePipe.it. A great smoker. I had no problems with customs, but apparently several people ordering from abroad have had.
I may order again from them, with fingers crossed re customs. They have the best website I've seen, very intelligently organized.