From the Dr. Dan estate comes this Becker Bent Dublin XL Smooth (3 Hearts) pipe. A lovely grain finish with bird's eye on the underside of the bowl. The shape is an XL bent Dublin. Near mint condition. All estate pipes sold as-is.
Becker pipes, founded by Fritz Becker, have a remarkable history. Fritz, an Austrian Jew, found refuge in England in the late 1930s, where he served as an intelligence officer during World War II. Afterward, he settled in Rome, where he pursued diverse talents, including painting, sculpting, and pipe making. Besides his artistic endeavors, Fritz held the prestigious role of Representative to the Vatican for the World Jewish Congress.
In the late 1970s, Fritz and his son Paolo began crafting pipes using top-tier plateau briar from Calabria, known for its exceptional quality. The brand officially started in 1979 when their names appeared on the pipes. Until Fritz's passing in 1991, both father and son collaborated on each Becker pipe.
Becker pipes exhibit a distinctive style, blending Italian design elements and innate artistry. They are recognizable by their unique silhouettes, with either smooth or sandblasted finishes. Paolo favored delicate pencil shanks or slim transitions, adding a sense of delicacy to the designs. Paolo primarily worked with acrylic and vulcanite for stems, avoiding heavy accent materials and instead incorporating subtle details like boxwood or silver. Throughout his career, Paolo experimented with materials like sandblasted morta and strawberry wood, each with its unique appeal. Paolo graded his pipes, with higher grades representing rarer and more exclusive creations.
In 2014, Paolo passed away, but the Becker legacy lives on through his son Federico. Federico continues the family brand, carrying forward the same quality of craftsmanship, design, and style established by his father and grandfather.