The NPod Castello Opera 44 Collection

[oldgeezersmoker]

. That Opera 44 with the tapered stem above is an N1 stamped original Opera 44 Perla Nera, those came before the silver bands.

That is very interesting. I remember in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s seeing one from Bob Hamlin with the silver band when he was still flying the grey market flag with Old Virginia Tobacco Company. I wanted it desperately, but he had promised to give someone else first dibs. They took it. By the time he brought in another one, I was more interested in other Castellos and less inclined to pay for silver. They were quite rare in the US.

 

[npod]

I remember in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s seeing one from Bob Hamlin with the silver band when he was still flying the grey market flag with Old Virginia Tobacco Company. I wanted it desperately, but he had promised to give someone else first dibs. They took it. By the time he brought in another one, I was more interested in other Castellos and less inclined to pay for silver. They were quite rare in the US.

Darn it Dan!!! Now I want one! It’s never finished. Remember when I once told you “Boat”?

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

Darn it Dan!!! Now I want one! It’s never finished. Remember when I once told you “Boat”?

Coppo’s boat? He does have a nice one, kept on Lake Como. We have all contributed, some more than others, some more recently than others.

 

[disinformatique]

A museum grade collection Neal !! I am in awe and feeling a little envious !!
Bravo Brother !!
Cheers,

Chris :puffpipe:

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

This has to be the best collection of Opera's I've ever seen... and Castello to boot. Bravo! Thanks for sharing.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Excellent collection. My congratulations and admiration for your efforts!

 

[disinformatique]

@npod Neal, now that you have raised my interest in unhealthy amounts in the Opera 44, I want to say that I am a virgo and we virgins tend to obsess over new things, hobbies and stuff.
Can you please explain the importance, difference etc etc between saddle stem 44 and taper stem 44 as 95% of your collection comprises of saddle bits. Is it an aesthetics preference or is there something deeper going on when it comes to collecting expensive pieces of wood.
Cheers,

Chris :puffpipe:

 

[npod]

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.

 

[disinformatique]

Neal, thanks for the detailed reply. I also tend to like pots and lovats, ultimately liking the saddle stem. I honestly think the 44 loses its Castello charm with a tapered stem.
Cheers,

Chris

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

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.

I am reasonably certain it was the early to middish 90’s before this change was made, but that is only a minor quibble with your excellent history lesson.

 

[ophiuchus]

What an exquisite collection!
:clap:
I'm a big fan of a focused, single(similar) shape pipe collections. I get a kick out of folks like ChasingEmbers' finding a shape like Savinelli's 904/9004 and doubling down on it. I just left the thread with donjgiles' stunning row of Sav 402s. There was a female member here (while I was an unregistered lurker) who'd gathered a very attractive set of 1/4 bent apples (can't remember the make); she even managed to obtain a manufacturer's display for that shape to hold them all. My current active rotation is all one shape ...
... Not nearly on this scale, though. Just exceptional! Thanks for sharing this!

 

[npod]

I am reasonably certain it was the early to middish 90’s before this change was made, but that is only a minor quibble with your excellent history lesson.

That is true. I just gave a range to cover myself, but it was in the 90's (ish) era for sure.

 

[npod]

And a few people have asked to see the underside of the Pi rusticated and Le Dune pipes. Here ya go.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

You, sir, need a poker. And I don't mean a pipe
Jokes aside, stunning stunning stunning collection. Not only is it impressive; it will now serve as a priceless resource/reference for window shopping Castello finishes. I've been eyeing an "Armadillo" 55 recently but the seller unfortunately does not have an affinity for photography. I curse you and your post for potentially pushing me over the edge.

 

[pepesdad1]

To quote Ashdigger...."Stunning, stunning, stunning!!!"

 

[alaskanpiper]

I can't think of a single finish I admire more than the aristocratica, and yours is one of the most splendid ones I've ever seen. Super jealous!

 

[cigrmaster]

Neil, great pics as always. Now how about showing us your Bo Nordhs and Teddy Eagles. Don't be holding out on us, oh yeah how about those Nanna Ivarsson pipes.

 

[npod]

Teddy Eagles. Don't be holding out on us, oh yeah how about those Nanna Ivarsson pipes.

Harris, don’t feed the wild animals, this is a Castello thread. We wouldn’t want to offend the Italians.
But here’s some fresh meat to satiate your request.
Teddy Eagle

Nanna