Morta was first used as pipe making material during the Second World War. The shortage of briar left manufactures trying out various woods and Morta, (or Bog Oak) became a popular choice. After the war briar began to be used again and these other materials fell away. Leaving only a small number of Artisan carvers continuing to work with it.
One of the biggest drawbacks to Morta is obtaining pieces suitable for pipe making. Large oak logs are extracted from bogs throughout Europe. The logs have spent thousands of years encapsulated in thick peat and slow fossilising. The acidity of the peat eats away at parts of the wood, meaning only the very heart of the wood can be used. A large log may only be suitable for a few pipes, making it potentially very time consuming material to use. After so much time in the bog, the oak is stained with a deep colour, resulting in a beautiful look.
About Paronelli
Jean-Marie Alberto Paronelli found his love for pipes while working in London. What started as a personal passion, saw him become an avid collector of classic English and French pipes. His reputation grew as a highly knowledgeable collector and also helped other collectors date and verify rare finds.
Upon returning to his native Italy, Alberto began working for the Rossi family. By the 1940’s, he began working on his own line of pipes. Rather than being constrained by the traditional shapes, Alberto began combining his love for art. Over the years his reputation grew and his son Antonio Paolo joined the business and found the Paronelli pipes in demand with serious collectors the world over.
In the present day Ariberto the third generation is still running the factory, using skills and techniques passed from grandfather to father and now son. Working not only with vintage aged briar, but also Morta (Bog Oak), Lemon Wood, but also Ivory which has been in the factory since the early days. Every pipe is made by hand, from the bowl to the stems.
All the Paronelli pipes are one offs and the one you see in the pictures is the one you get. Comes with sock and box.
Pipe Details
Pipe Material : Morta
Shape : Bent
Finish : Smooth
Colour : Natural
Mouthpiece : Acrylic
Filter : None
Dimensions
Pipe Length : 119mm
Pipe Height : 57mm
Pipe Width : 39mm
Chamber Width : 20 mm
Pipe Weight : 68 grams
