Moretti Pipes

Foundation and Development of the Moretti Brand

In 1968, Igino Moretti founded the brand Moretti Recanati in Recanati, Italy. The brand was later simplified to Moretti in 2004 and adopted the well-known logo in September 2009.

The Rich Cultural Heritage of Recanati

Recanati, a small Italian town renowned for its cultural heritage, has been home to poets, writers, and artists. The town has seen some development in pipe-making and hosted several pipe manufacturers. The tradition of pipe making in Recanati dates back to 1850. The pipe factory Hully Briar employed about 50 pipe makers in the early 20th century, with Igino Moretti being the head of the operation.

Challenges and Resilience

During the world economic crisis of the 1950s, Hully Briar faced significant difficulties, forcing Igino Moretti to switch professions and become a locomotive driver. Despite these changes, Moretti’s passion for pipes remained strong. He contemplated returning to pipe making and established his own brand, Moretti Recanati, in 1968.

Transition and Growth Under New Leadership

Initially, Moretti produced pipes for its own brand and also took OEM orders from well-known brands to keep the production busy. This continued until Igino Moretti’s son-in-law, Marco Biagini, took over the management. Marco, who believed in the Moretti brand, reduced OEM orders for other manufacturers to focus on producing his own pipes. He set up a website to strengthen his brand image and to become known among pipe smokers.

Unique Craftsmanship and Materials

Marco uses high-quality Calabrian briar wood from Italy, air-dried for 10-15 years. He carefully selects the briar wood, rejecting pieces with too many spots and imperfections for smooth pipes. Less than 5% of his pipes are sandblasted, and he rarely makes rusticated pipes unless specifically requested by customers.

Mastery in Pipe Making

Marco Biagini is among the few pipe makers worldwide who work with the finest ancient bog oak, which is 4000-6000 years old. It is not only expensive but also very rare in the right quality. He avoids using lathes and strives to shape everything freehand.

Individual Handmade Craftsmanship

He undertakes the entire pipe-making process himself, from selecting the briar wood to the final finish and polishing, ensuring consistent quality. Unlike many Italian pipe brands that employ multiple craftsmen, at Moretti, only Marco Biagini is in the workshop.

High Quality and Unique Design

Moretti pipes are free of putty and may show minor natural imperfections that do not affect the smoking quality. The natural character of the briar wood is appreciated, and the wood is not altered to hide imperfections unless they are genuine flaws. This approach results in a natural, unpretentious charm and a distinctive finish. Pipes in compact, short-stemmed designs are among his most common models.

Recognition and Limited Production

Marco Biagini’s high-quality pipe collection is small, with only about 200 pipes produced annually. His Giants are particularly noteworthy and have received high acclaim from pipe connoisseurs like Joseph Hornsby and Martin Farrent.

Attention to Detail and Functionality

Moretti pipes place great emphasis on easy cleaning and a smooth draw. Coarser drilling marks are deliberately left on the interior walls to help build up a carbon layer more quickly. Each finished pipe includes a Teflon tenon to make it easier to detach the mouthpiece.