ARMELLINI Mauro Armellini operates a very small factory in the Cucciago area of Italy, which has become the pipemaking center of that country and home for other Italian pipemaking firms such as Savinelli and Ascorti. Armellini started working for Nino Rossi, who at one time ran the largest briar pipe factory in the world. Armellini's forte has always been creating machinery for pipemaking. In America he got his start by creating a popular line of "private label" pipes, which immediately became good traditional sellers in the low-to-medium price ranges. In an effort to upgrade his pipes, Armellini began making high grades handmades, such as the Direttore and various "controlled shape" freehands. He has since developed a unique knack for creating both machine-made and handmade pipes of special designs. In addition to his U.S. market, Armellini sells to pipe shops throughout Europe where his work is recognized as a tremendous value in a well made and great smoking pipe. While Mauro himself is now in semi-retirement having turned much of the pipe making over to his two daughters, he still maintains strict quality control and personally inspects every pipe that leaves his workshop. The unique wire through the bowl and stem of Armellini pipes is your assurance that Mauro has given his stamp of approval to what is sure to be a wonderful smoking pipe at a more than reasonable price.