Gigi NOS

The Gigi brand stands for Italian pipes that were crafted for decades with precision workmanship and a clear, functional design language. Founded and led by Luigi “Gigi” Crugnola, the workshop was located in the province of Varese in northern Italy. There, pipes were created that gained appreciation among pipe smokers for their understated elegance, practical shapes, and solid craftsmanship.

Gigi began his career at the Savinelli workshop, where he learned the fundamentals of traditional pipe making. He later established his own production, focusing on well-balanced forms and consistent quality. The briar wood he used was carefully selected and seasoned for several years before being shaped into smooth, sandblasted or rusticated finishes.

A notable aspect of Gigi’s work was his close cooperation with other brands: for many years, he was the manufacturer behind numerous Rattray’s pipe series. These models, while sold internationally under the Rattray’s name, were produced in Gigi’s workshop with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship. The manufacturer also produced pipes for Davidoff for a number of years.

Production ceased in 2018, when Luigi Crugnola retired and closed his workshop. Since then, Gigi pipes – especially unsmoked or professionally restored examples – have become increasingly sought after by collectors. Their timeless design, reliable build quality, and strong connection to Italian pipe-making tradition have secured them a lasting reputation.