Astleys of London Silver 72, Group 6 Straight Billiard Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

Astleys was one of London’s most historic pipe and tobacco shops. Like many pipe tobacconists, its owners had pipes made specially to be sold under the shop’s name. Astleys pipes, however, were made by some of the premier pipe manufacturers and artisans in the UK, such as Dunhill, Charatan, Les Wood, and Ken Barnes and Barry Jones of James Upshall. As a result, Astleys pipes are prized for their quality, and as examples of the very finest British pipes.

This is one of the larger Astleys pipes I’ve come across. At six inches in length, it’s got some nice heft to it, along with a generous chamber. With that said, it’s also a very traditional billiard of the English-French variety, with a beautiful combination of a dark brown stain, a vulcanite stem, and an original silver band. It’s also much lighter in weight than one might presume, at around only two ounces – a sure sign of good briar.

Having looked at the records of Astleys products, the silverwork is of the variety used in older Astleys pipes – those produced around 50 years ago. Even if the pipe was younger, I’d say it was remarkably preserved. There are some very minor handling marks on the stummel and the finish on the rim has faded a little (or was perhaps merely more lightly applied), but the pipe is otherwise quite pristine.

 

Details:

Length: 6″

Bowl Width: 22.2mm

Bowl Depth: 1.7″

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g