Description
Alberto Paronelli pipes represent one of Italy’s most influential contributions to modern pipemaking. Founded in Milan in the mid-20th century, the Paronelli workshop became known for bold experimentation, unconventional shapes, and artistic freedom. Alberto Paronelli rejected rigid classical forms, instead embracing asymmetry, exaggerated proportions, and imaginative finishes that challenged traditional expectations of what a pipe could be. Despite their playful appearance, Paronelli pipes are carefully engineered for balance and smoking comfort. Today, both vintage and modern Paronelli pieces are prized by collectors who appreciate their originality, expressive design, and enduring Italian craftsmanship. Vokan pipes were created to honour Alberto's grandfather.
This pipe is bold and curvaceous. The shank marries flawlessly with the saddle stem, making this pipe a joy to behold. It could almost be considered a large pocket pipe because it disassembles easily. This pipe will accept a 9mm filter.
The pipe you see is the pipe you get. This pipe came to us from a private collection, and where necessary, has been expertly restored by a local craftsman. This pipe was previously smoked but has been restored by an expert craftsman to almost new condition.
Because it has been pre-owned, the price is drastically reduced compared to what this pipe would cost new (assuming that you could even find it). We stand behind these pipes; if you ever have an issue, return it to us for repair or refund. Note: Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.
| Bowl Height (Outside) | 1.82” / 46mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.65” / 42mm |
| Pipe Length | 5.5” / 140mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.35” / 34mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .77” / 20mm |
| Pipe Weight | 54g |
| Pipe Shape | Volcano |
| Stem Shape | Quarter Bent |
| Filter | 9mm |
| Shape Number | N/A |
| Bowl Material | Briar |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Smooth |
| Country | Italy |
About Paronelli Pipes
For aficionados of handmade smoking instruments, the name Alberto Paronelli evokes a legacy of Italian artistry, passion, and tradition in the world of briar pipes. The story of Paronelli pipes begins with Jean-Marie Alberto Paronelli, born on December 21, 1914 in Gavirate, northern Italy. From his early years, Paronelli cultivated a deep appreciation for art, language, and culture; this sensibility would later shape his unique approach to pipe design. At age 18 he traveled to London, where visits to the Burlington Arcade piqued his interest in pipes and led him from collector to expert and consultant for fellow enthusiasts.
In 1945 Paronelli turned passion into vocation, founding Paronelli Pipe and beginning to craft his own designs. Initially creating models for the English market, he quickly became known for his aesthetic sensibilities and dedication to quality. Rather than simply emulating traditional forms, Paronelli infused his creations with artistic expression — blending classic shapes with innovative touches that drew connoisseurs from around the world. His reputation grew not only as a maker, but also as a storyteller and cultural ambassador for pipe smoking.
One hallmark of Paronelli’s influence was his role in fostering a broader pipe culture. In 1970 he and his children established the first Italian Pipe Museum in Gavirate, showcasing an extraordinary collection of over 30,000 pipes and related artifacts gathered from around the globe. The museum became a pilgrimage site for collectors and historians alike, preserving both the craft and its stories. Paronelli also founded the magazine La Pipa and served as rector of the Accademia Italiana della Pipa, further spreading appreciation and knowledge of fine pipes.
The Paronelli legacy continues today under the stewardship of the founder’s grandson, Ariberto Paronelli, who carries forward the tradition of handmade production in Gavirate. In honor of his grandfather, known as a “Volcano” of ideas, he decided to found the Volkan Pipe. Each year the Paronelli workshop produces roughly a thousand pipes, all crafted by hand from first-choice Italian briar and often available in classic yet subtly contemporary interpretations of traditional models.
Collectors praise Paronelli pipes for their individuality; every piece reflects both the intrinsic qualities of the wood and the artisan’s touch. Shapes range from Bulldogs and Bent Churchwardens to innovative reverse Calabash designs, with finishes spanning smooth natural grain to sandblasted and rusticated textures. Many models also feature distinctive materials such as Bog Oak (Morta) or olive wood, and some special editions include decorative elements like sterling silver bands or bespoke mouthpieces.
In 2025 the company marked its 80th anniversary by releasing a limited-edition series inspired by the founder’s historic “Genovesina” model — a testament to the enduring appeal of Paronelli’s vision and craftsmanship. These commemorative pipes, produced in very limited quantities, blend the brand’s historic character with modern refinements, appealing to both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike.
Today, Paronelli pipes remain more than tools for smoking — they are cherished objects of design, history, and personal expression, carrying forward the passion of Jean-Marie Alberto Paronelli and his family for generations to come.
