SAVINELLI Autograph 3
Italy
Autograph pipes make only 2% of the Savinelli production, but since 1980s they are the subject of a special pride of the company. The pipes are made essentially by hand; briar is sourced absolutely separately from the materials for a mass market. Every bowl is firstly shaped and only then drilled by experienced carvers. As a result pipe collectors from the entire world can enjoy both the great smoking qualities and fantastic design of these pipes. It’s really a work of art!
The pipe markings are “SAVINELLI \ AUTOGRAPH”, “3 \ ITALY”, “9m”. The length is 14.0 cm (5.51″), bowl’s height is 5.6 cm (2.2″). External diameter of the bowl is 3.9 cm (1.54″), internal diameter is 2.0 cm (0.79″). The depth is 5.0 cm (1.97″) and this pipe weights 50 gr. Briar, acrylic stem, 9 mm filter. The chamber has been protected with a break-in coat.
Got a Savinelli 3. Sent the factory a letter in 1975 asking for a birdseye pipe and Mr. Savinelli sent me a letter stating they were no longer found, and if it was I couldn’t afford one. He did send me a Autograph 3 Have smoked it maybe 20 times, what would it be worth. Still got his letter, somewhere signed by Mr. Savinelli. Cost me approx $130 back then.
Ray,
Thank you for your comment. Some of my sources said that the Autograph series was launched in the 1980s, but as I understand it now, they were available as far back as the 1970s. Thanks for sharing your memories!
Savinelli is currently selling the Autograph 3 for 295 Euros, so your pipe could well be worth $150 or more on eBay if in good condition. https://www.savinelli.it/rw2_en/pipes/freehand/autograph.html?p=3