The Pipes DG Pipes, Grade: F

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• As he lives close to Italy's biggest briar supplier, Gabriele Dal Fiume is fortunate enough to go and select his briar, piece by piece.
  
• Due to the fact that Gabriele has a full time job, he can dedicate only a small part of his time to pipe making; this means that his annual production is extremely limited.
  
• All Gabriele's pipes are stamped "DG" (Dal Fiume Gabriele), with the grade (A, B, C, D, E, F, and Dal Fiume). For a complete guide to DG grading system, please go to: DG Grading Guide.

 

Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "05" ~ "47", plus the butterfly.
Pipe Code: DG048 Price: CHF 750.00  Convert Shape: Freehand Weight: 59g / 2-3/32 oz Chamberø: 20mm  -- Chamber Depth: 38mm  -- Wall Thickness:15mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  4 An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: This is the kind of pipe that you can hardly describe or comment on in words, no matter how experienced and well-versed you are. It is only through numerous pictures that you may start to understand the intricate design though how Gabriele executed it may remain an unsolved mystery. Looking at the bowl from the top, and for some reason which I hope is not only in my head, I see a blowfish! Do you?! The really complexity here lies in the design and execution of the shank. I know that Gabriele does incredible shank design, but this one here does indeed surpass most of his work. You start to understand all this when you hold the pipe in your hand and examine it at length. I just hope that the pictures will provide you with an incentive to want to hold it in your hand. The pipe comes with an Army Mount, and the mouthpiece has a very elegant, tapered insert, made out of boxwood. The mouthpiece is thin and wide enough to offer maximum comfort if you prefer to clench on your pipes. Not only is this pipe representative of DG sophisticated pipe shape design, it is also clearly quite unique among the freehand shapes that any maker, anywhere, currently produces.

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Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "05" ~ "147", plus the butterfly.
Pipe Code: DG052 Price: CHF 750.00  Convert Shape: Freehand Weight: 48g / 1-11/16 oz Chamberø: 20mm -- Chamber Depth: 35mm -- Wall Thickness:15mm -- Cleaner Passes?  Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  3 An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: The work that Gabriele manages to do with bamboo is simply breath-taking. Gabriele's strongest point is the ability to combine very unique and innovative shapes with the always sought-after bamboo shanks. When the pipe is of an extra length, the pipe becomes as unique as they come. This pipe is the ultimate illustration of this fact. The shape of the bowl may at first appear similar to the Dublin, but then, the theory is discredited when you turn the pipe in your hand and start to discover the endless touches of elegance and innovation. I see the bowl shape to be more of a freehandedly painted flower, with no exaggeration or intention to show off. The beauty of the shape is complemented to a large extent by the fabulous Flame Grain around the bowl, and the mind-boggling Bird's Eye on the bowl top and base. I have seen so many pipes with such grain, but under different brands, described and sold as the perfect Straight Grain! Here are a few extra measurements that should give you a better idea as to why this pipe is unique: The whole pipe length is 203mm or 7.99 inches. The shank length is 118mm or 4.65 inches. The mouthpiece is 30.5mm (1.20 inches) long. The bowl diameter is 53mm or 2.09 inches. .

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Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "06" ~ "120".
Pipe Code: DG064 Price: CHF 700.00  Convert Shape: Freeform Liverpool Weight: 33g / 1-5/32 oz Chamberø: 20mm -- Chamber Depth: 45mm -- Wall Thickness: 18mm  -- Cleaner Passes? Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  4+ An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: If you're not impressed by the shape definition in this case, I don't blame you because I'm not, either. I know that the pipe has so (too) many deviations from the classic Liverpool, but I decided to go with "Freeform Liverpool" since its basic features are present: The long, round shank, and the short, tapered mouthpiece. Of course, the long shank is not that long because it is only 7mm more in length than the bowl is in height. Also, the shank is not really round, but rather, tapered, starting at a diameter of 9mm at the bowl-shank juncture, and going up to 17mm at the shank-mouthpiece meeting point. It doesn't end there because the bowl is so tall it doesn't fail to bring to mind the idea of the Chimney or Stack. For these reasons, you can see why the term "Freeform Liverpool" is far from accurate, but I still believe it is the best and most illustrative of what I see here. The pipe is breathtaking, but, mind you, I've been in love with this pipe since I first saw it, and so I can't be objective. I'm really, really fond of this dark brown-golden stain, which does bring out the best of the grain. The grain is a nice blend of Flame Grain around the bow and tight Bird's Eye on the bowl top and base. The elegant mouthpiece comes with a special insert, which, to me, appears to be horn.

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Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "07" ~ "99".
Pipe Code: DG077 Price: CHF 700.00  Convert Shape: Apple Weight: 59g / 2-3/32 oz Chamberø: 20mm -- Chamber Depth: 37mm -- Wall Thickness: ->18mm  -- Cleaner Passes? Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  4 An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: It's quite rare to find a DG pipe that can be defined in classic terms and with no hesitation. When you do come across a classic shape, however, it's usually quite impressive and unique, with a few DG touches that make the value of a hand made pipe quite evident. This is definitely the case of this pipe. There is no doubt that the best shape definition is that of the Apple. The bowl has walls that are quite thick, and yet, the way the bowl was shape makes it quite well balanced and proportionate. The shank is slightly short, and Gabriele did a wonderful job making sure that the bowl and shank meet in a very smooth and natural way; indeed, the "neck" of the pipe (the angle created when the bowl and shank meet) is extremely wall made, pronounced just right. What is quite unique about this pipe is, undoubtedly, the Cumberland mouthpiece. Unlike the Cumberland-like acrylic mouthpiece Gabriele uses from time to time, this one here is HANDCUT from authentic German Cumberland rods. The mouthpiece starts the the shank-mouthpiece join at a diameter of 16.5mm, and then it goes down to a thickness of a mere 5mm right behind the mouthpiece button. The button itself is 7mm high and 17mm wide. All this is to state the mouthpiece should feel very comfortable in the mouthpiece when clenched on. The pipe has been stained a very light brown-golden color, and the effect is fabulous. The grain has been brought out as much as possible, and it is a blend of Flame Grain around the bowl and on the two sides of the shank, and clusters of Bird's Eye on the bowl top and base, as well as those of the shank. This is an excellent DG pipe for those who like the value this brand offers, and at the same time, they have a preference for classic shapes.

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Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "07" ~ "80", plus the butterfly.
Pipe Code: DG078 Price: CHF 750.00  Convert Shape: "Cone" Weight: 47g / 1-21/32 oz Chamberø: 21mm -- Chamber Depth: 45mm -- Wall Thickness: ->17mm  -- Cleaner Passes? Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  4-5 An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: This is quite an unusual shape, and I sure am glad I managed to get my hands on it before it got sold to someone else. When I was first considering how I could best describe the shape, I thought of the Poker and the Bell and the Dublin, but when I sat down to write this, the word "Cone" came to mind, and I couldn't shake it off any more. Of course, any attempt to describe such a shape using one or two words is a practice in futility! The pipe, though not extravagant in design, kind of reminds me of older Danish designs. Let's talk about the little details that make this pipe unique. The bowl is indeed shaped as a cone, but it is slightly oval when viewed from the top. Indeed, the bowl rim is 45x53mm in diameter. This oval effect is carried onto most of the bowl, and it kinds of dissipates before we reach the bowl base. The shape assumes a whole new level of complexity when you flip it over and look at the bowl base. You notice the fact that the round base is also oval, not round, and that it is not perfectly central to the bowl, but rather points more toward north-east (when you're holding the pipe with the mouthpiece pointing to the floor). The picture that may illustrate this more accurately is the first one, on the left, last row. The shank itself is quite a piece, and in and by itself, it requires a whole comment. I can only draw your attention to the fact that it is tapered (starting at 12mm at the bowl and ending at 21mm at the other end of the shank). You see also that the shank has a line that runs over the lower part of its left side and then it merges very smoothly and discretely with the bowl. The mouthpiece is exceptional, in every way, shape, and form. The acrylic in this case is made in imitation of genuine amber, and it has a magnificent pattern. It is, in addition, extremely delicate, with a spiral line that runs at the beginning of the mouthpiece, close to the shank; it is this swerving action that makes the mouthpiece assume the identity of a saddle mouthpiece. Last but not least, comes the grain. As you can see, the most Flame Grain assumes that rare quality often referred to as "Angel's hair" (which mainly means that the "veins" of the grain are so fine and tight). The massive Bird's Eye on the bowl top is nothing short of breathtaking! Ah, the pipe can rest on its own on a flat surface.

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Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "07" ~ "114", plus the butterfly.
Pipe Code: DG079 Price: CHF 750.00  Convert Shape: Freehand Weight: 52g / 1-27/32 oz Chamberø: 21.5mm -- Chamber Depth: 36mm -- Wall Thickness: ->17mm  -- Cleaner Passes? Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  3 An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: If you have been following my site for some time, you may have noticed certain things about me. One of those things is that I seem to manage to write so much (sometimes too much) about a shape that most people would not take a second look at, not because it's not a beautiful pipe, but because often people don't know what it is exactly that they like (or dislike) about the pipe. You would think that the more beautiful, unique, and complex the shape is, the more I write. True, but not always. Sometimes, when I'm so impressed with a pipe, I kind of "freeze". I feel that no matter how much I write, I will never do the pipe justice. This pipe here is one of those pipes. However, I intend to mention a few things anyway (just keep in mind that I'm totally flabbergasted by the beauty, the uniqueness, and the complexity of this pipe). First I have to repeat part of a comment I made about a pipe on a different page. We have all seen pipes with a spiral motif around the bowl. Usually those pipes have the spiral pattern go all the way around the bowl, which is quite difficult, from a technical point of view. In the case of this pipe, the spiral pattern is only limited to a little more than halfway around the bowl, which is, in my humble opinion, a whole lot more challenging. There are four lines that mark the spiral motif here, and they start at the bowl rim on one side of the bowl, run around while swerving a little downwards and then upwards, and then they slowly but surely come to a halt, just before finding their way around the other half of the bowl. The uppermost of those lines actually manages to go around the bowl, creating a half moon shape at the bowl rim. You notice also that the distance between this line and the one right below is quite large, which means that that half moon shape seems to be protruding from the bowl. Quite a beautiful, visual effect. On the other side of the bowl, there is a different line that marks at the bowl base (creating a V-shape with one of the lowest line on the other side), and it goes in a circular movement up the bowl, all the way to the bowl rim. Another important fact about the bowl is that it is clearly canted forward, making the shape even more unique and intriguing. The shank is extra, extra long, measuring a staggering 100mm (almost 4 inches); it is also tapered in shape, starting at a diameter of 12mm (pencil shank) at the bowl and ending at 23mm at the mouthpiece. There is more. The shank moves from being round at the bowl and to being oval at the mouthpiece. All this is complemented by an Army Mount mouthpiece that is tapered, in the Fishtail style. I won't comment about the grain, since my hope is that it will manage to impress you though you're only examining it in pictures. Considering all the work that went into the making of this pipe and the impressive, final product, I strongly and sincerely believe this pipe is seriously under-graded!

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Pipe is stamped: "F" ~ "07" ~ "109", plus the butterfly.
Pipe Code: DG080 Price: CHF 750.00  Convert Shape: Freehand Weight: 68g / 2-13/32 oz Chamberø: 23mm -- Chamber Depth: 55mm -- Wall Thickness: 12mm -- Cleaner Passes? Yes This pipe is comparable in size to a Dunhill Group:  Way beyond 6! An alternative way to view all the pictures of this pipe is: The SlideShow.
COMMENT: Ever since I laid eyes on this pipe, I have not been able to get over its overwhelming beauty and, more importantly, value. I have to start by referring to the size of the pipe. Some people, those who prefer large pipes, have repeatedly asked for larger DG pipe. Well, this pipe will come as a huge surprise to those people. This pipe is so huge that one can hardly believe it is indeed a DG pipe. That initial doubt evaporates the minute one starts to examine the shape design and execution. Back to the size. Let me give you a few measurements: The bowl is 70mm tall (2.76 inches). The bowl diameter is 46mm (1.81 inches). The shank is 92mm long (3.62 inches). The overall length of the pipe (with the mouthpiece) is 185mm (7.28 inches). Let's now talk about the other half of the story: the unique DG touches that undoubtedly make this pipe a DG. The massive, massive bowl is canted forward, with a concave bowl top, varying in depth. Toward the bowl base, there is a line that runs around 3/4 of the bowl, encompassing that part that faces the shank. The shank is tapered, starting at 14mm at the bowl and ending at 17mm at the mouthpiece, after having gone through a major shift in design, with that delicate line that creates a spiral motif. In addition, the shank moves from a round shape at the bowl to an oval one. The mouthpiece is another story most definitely worth telling. It's basically a saddle one, but you can see the amount of hand-shaping that went into it. The uniqueness here is mainly due to the flattened mouthpiece side, which give the mouthpiece some of the characteristics of a traditional, tapered mouthpiece. It is also of the sought-after Army Mount, which adds heaps to the whole design. Having said all that, I have to mention that what I really, really appreciate about this particular piece is the fact that it captures the beauty of the raw material, as well as the talent and skill of the maker. By nature here I, of course, refer to the staggering grain, which is not only consistent and pronounced all around the bowl, but it is also extremely tight and fine. This brings us to the reason why this pipe didn't make it into the Dal Fiume grade (the brand's highest grade)! Can you guess?! It's only because of that small, visible sandpit that you see on the bowl top (see third picture, from left, second row). This is why I believe this pipe offers some of the best value among DG pipes, as well as in the market in general.

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