Two surprises this weekend

[fishnbanjo]

There was the humidor for $25 at a yard sale and now this pipe both for a total of under $80!
Not very well versed in the grading nomenclature by Mastro de Paja pipes and never having owned one I did some much needed research as I found one I really liked the look of only needing sanitizing and some work on the top removing some lighter staining.
Fatto a mano I know means made by hand, Pesaro is where they are from but 3b and a sun symbol meant nothing.
What I found was 3b was only 2 grades down from the top of the line Fiamatta grade. Well I put up a bid figuring this isn't even worth following so I paid no attention to the auction. Then the email com s across the top of the iPad screen stating I'd won for even less than my low ball bid, color me shocked!

banjo

 

[mso489]

Always think de Paja's are admirable pipes. Looks like you got a great deal on this one.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Always been impressed by Paja's shaping, but have yet to pull the trigger. Nice grab on that one!

 

[puffy]

Great Shape

 

[jvnshr]

Nice one.

 

[papipeguy]

Well done, banjo. You have had a great weekend.

 

[ssjones]

That is a win, I saw the humidor as well!

 

[pappymac]

I was given a Maestro de Paja as a Father's Day gift by the wife 2 years ago. I always wondered what the stamping meant (other than Fatta A Mano) The only other stamps are a 2 and Brugo. All I really know is that it's a sitter, it smokes great and it's a good flake pipe.

 

[pappymac]

If you can find a copy of the Pipes and Tobaccos Summer 2016 edition, there is a good article about the Mastro de Paja in Pesaro. Some of the top Italian pipe carvers got their start at Mastro de Paja. In the article Alberto Montini, the owner, said they don't label the pipes made in the factory because of each pipe "individuality."