Astleys of London Smooth Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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.

There are few shapes as traditional as the Oom Paul, otherwise known as the Hungarian. This is because, depending on who you ask, the shape has its roots in the preferred pipes of the late 19th century Boers, or in the even older, pre-briar pipes of Austro-Hungary. And with the Oom Paul, it’s plainly evident how the shape has survived for so long. With a bend as steep as this one, even pipes on the heavier side become reasonable clenchers. And, even if you prefer not to, they’re easy to handle, and can be stowed in the pocket with ease if the situation requires it. This one is a particularly beautiful example of the shape, with plenty of flame grain dancing around its chestnut bowl and stem.

The condition is great, but the rim does appear to have been overbuffed a little, leaving a smattering of marks in the finish. I wouldn’t worry about it, though.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.89 / 22.60mm

Bowl Depth: 1.7″ / 43.18mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g