Castello: Traditional Pipes from Italy
Before World War II and in the years that followed, Italian pipes were considered reliable tools of classic craftsmanship. Numerous workshops in Northern Italy supplied renowned pipe manufacturers worldwide with pre-turned pipe bowls, mouthpieces, and other materials. Despite their expertise, Italian pipes lacked prestige. With the exception of Savinelli, Italian brands were known only to a few pipe enthusiasts and held little recognition.
Castello: Masterpieces of Pipe Craftsmanship
The turning point came in 1947, when Carlo Scotti founded the brand Castello. In Cantù, a small town near Como, pipe production began with partial machine assistance. From the outset, Castello’s models set new standards. Castello became the first manufacturer in the world to introduce a mouthpiece made of acrylic. Additionally, Carlo Scotti pioneered the deep, artistic rustication characteristic of Italian pipes.
Initially appreciated only in Italy, Castello’s pipes gained international recognition when renowned American retailer Wally Frank discovered Carlo Scotti’s workshop. Frank inspired further design development and played a major role in giving Castello its distinctive style. At first, the pipe shapes were heavily influenced by Dunhill, but over time, a unique design emerged that turned Castellos into coveted collector's items. By the late 1970s, the workshop was producing more than 8,000 pipes annually.
Perfection in Handcraft
In 1969, Carlo Scotti’s son-in-law, Franco Coppo, joined the company. Under his leadership, the grading system was revamped, and production was entirely converted to handcrafted methods.
To this day, the company is led by Franco Coppo. A team of ten employees carefully crafts pipes and pipe tampers entirely by hand.
At Least Ten Years Matured: Castello Briarwood Pipes
Hardly any pipe book omits mention of Castello’s outstanding quality. Many collectors regard Castello as the only true rival to Dunhill. This reputation stems from meticulous craftsmanship. The briarwood used for production matures for at least ten years before being turned into pipes. Even the mouthpieces are crafted with precision from acrylic sheets by hand. Every Castello pipe is guaranteed to be putty-free.
