▲ In 2008-2009 various animals appear on Gabriele Dal Fiume (DG) pipes. They are to emphasize the inspiration, finish and surface of the pipes.

• Turtle: sandblast pipes
• Whale: smooth fine grain pipes
• Nautilus: harmonic shape
• Ladybug: the most outstanding of Gabriele's pipes.
• Butterfly: prior to 2009 it was used in combination with any of the DG grades, with the exception of "Dal Fiume". It is meant to show that this is the best quality obtainable within the grade.

Gabriele's own words: "These markings are not to be regarded as a precise grading system, but more as a way I express my own thoughts about the design and finish of my work in the particular pipe."

Artisan: Gabriele Dal Fiume

Dating: the pipes are generally stamped with the year of production (2 digits) and the pipe's serial number within that year (2 digits). 

Grading (from 2005 to 2009):

A: Rusticated

B: Partially Rusticated

SB: Sandblasted

C: Smooth (entry-level)

D: Smooth ( good grain)

E: Smooth (very good grain and/or unique design)

F: "Fiammata" (straight Grain)

Dal Fiume: exceptional pipe (the perfect straight grain). Few pieces are produced a year.