Astleys Rusticated Panel 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.

Though it is not as common these days, the humble foursquare is one of the all time classic shapes in English-French pipe-making. This particular example is a marvelous execution of the shape, with a bark-like rustication adding an extra tactile dimension. As an added bonus, this pipe is a mere 36 grams in weight, making it highly portable and an easy clencher, especially given its vulcanite stem.

The condition is great. The finish is a little faded, but it’s nothing major.

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.43″ / 36.32mm

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g