Ser Jacopo S2 Per Aspera Ad Astra Sandblast Billiard 7in Silver Acrylic

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. Ser Jacopo della Gemma of Pesaro, Italy produced this exceptional sandblast billiard during the 1990s-early 2000s golden era. The "Per Aspera Ad Astra" (through hardships to the stars) series designation marks this as a philosophical collector's piece, combining sculptural form with contemplative artistry. The silver band and 9mm filter configuration anchor provenance to this celebrated period of European innovation. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Ser Jacopo pipes from Pesaro represent the pinnacle of Italian artisan pipe-making tradition. Founded by della Gemma, the workshop became renowned for sculptural forms, experimental finishes, and intellectually-themed collections. The "Per Aspera Ad Astra" series specifically reflects a thematic commitment to striving and celestial beauty, positioning each piece as a narrative work blending technical mastery with contemplative design. Production during the 1990s-2000s marked the house's most experimental period with sandblast finishes and innovative stem treatments. GRADING & MARKS * Maker: Ser Jacopo della Gemma, Pesaro, Italy * Model: S2 designation within Per Aspera Ad Astra series * Stem marking: "J" logo inlaid on acrylic stem * Filter: 9mm configuration * Silver band: Signature Ser Jacopo feature present * Country origin: Italy * Finish grade: Deep handmade sandblast, craggy excavation texture * Overall condition grade: to be confirmed upon inspection SHAPE ANALYSIS The billiard shape represents classical perfection and remains the most technically demanding form in pipe-making. Ser Jacopo's interpretation commands presence through elongation while maintaining classical harmonic proportions. The shank extends at normal length with elegant stem extension creating fluid, dynamic silhouette characteristic of 1990s-era house design. BRIAR & FINISH The sandblast finish displays deep, handmade craggy texture revealing the briar's natural geological history rather than mechanical surface treatment. This excavation technique requires master craftsmen to selectively remove grain, exposing contrasting wood layers beneath. The finish demonstrates the workshop's commitment to revealing briar character and creating tactile visual interest across the bowl surface. CONDITION REPORT Overall condition: to be confirmed upon detailed examination. Standard estate pipe inspection protocols applied including chamber assessment, rim condition evaluation, stem integrity check, and documentation of any fills or historical repairs. Museum-quality presentation expected based on provenance classification. DIMENSONS * Overall length: 7 inches * Bowl shape: Billiard * Chamber diameter: to be confirmed * Chamber depth: to be confirmed * Weight: to be confirmed * Filter: 9mm This collector's piece represents Ser Jacopo della Gemma at the height of experimental sandblast production, combining Italian artisan tradition with poetic thematic naming. Ships directly from the Faridunhill archive with worldwide delivery and professional museum-grade sanitation. SKU: SKU-170