Caminetto Pipes: A Piece of Italian Enjoyment
The story of Caminetto is, like many Italian pipe brands, marked by exciting twists and renowned personalities. It began in 1959 when Giuseppe Ascorti joined the Castello workshop after being hired by Carlo Scotti. Ascorti worked at Castello until 1968, when he partnered with his colleague Luigi Radice to establish their own pipe workshop. They were supported by Gianni Davoli, a successful pipe dealer from Milan. Together, they created the brand "Caminetto," whose pipes quickly gained popularity. Davoli took charge of global distribution.
Successful Pipes with an Attractive Price-Performance Ratio
The pipes found great favor, particularly in the USA, where they were marketed as a high-quality alternative to Castello at a significantly lower price. Demand steadily increased, and in the 1970s, the workshop produced up to 7,000 pipes annually. However, with growing production came challenges, particularly regarding quality and the manufacturing process. Luigi Radice grew increasingly dissatisfied with the factory-like production, and Ascorti also expressed concerns about potential quality issues. Eventually, Radice left the company in 1979, followed by Ascorti a few months later.
The Revival of Caminetto Under Ascorti
After the end of Caminetto, Giuseppe Ascorti, together with his son Roberto, founded the Ascorti brand in 1980. It was not until 2013 that Caminetto was revived by Tommaso Ascorti, the founder's grandson. With great passion, he continued the brand's tradition. The distinctive style, masterful craftsmanship, and the unmistakable "Baffo" signature—the mustache—represent the exceptional quality and character of Caminetto Pipes. These handmade unique pieces combine classic design with the freedom and joy of Italian living.
