Caminetto Pipes: Italian Craftsmanship and Passion
The story of Caminetto, like many Italian pipe brands, is marked by fascinating twists and influential personalities. It all began in 1959, when Giuseppe Ascorti was invited by Carlo Scotti to work at the renowned Castello manufactory. After nearly a decade there, Ascorti founded his own manufactory in 1968 together with Luigi Radice. Along with Gianni Davoli, who operated a thriving pipe shop in Milan, they created the brand name “Caminetto.” Thanks to Davoli's international distribution, the brand quickly became a success.
Success and Its Challenges
Especially in the United States, Caminetto pipes experienced a boom. They were considered equal to Castello pipes but significantly more affordable, fueling demand. In the 1970s, the manufactory expanded production to as many as 7,000 pieces annually. However, with growth came challenges: differences among the founders and quality issues due to mass production led to tensions. In 1979, Luigi Radice left the company, and a few months later, Giuseppe Ascorti followed.
The Revival: Caminetto Lives On
In 1980, Giuseppe and his son Roberto founded the Ascorti brand, and Caminetto initially disappeared from the market. However, in 2013, Tommaso Ascorti, the founder’s grandson, revived the brand. With passion and precision, he crafts pipes that preserve the classic style and quality for which Caminetto pipes are renowned. Each pipe bears the trademark “Baffo” – the mustache – and combines Italian design with artisanal perfection. Every Caminetto pipe is unique and symbolizes exceptional smoking pleasure and individuality.
