Astleys Rusticated Panel Billiard 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 Dolly Wood of Ferndown, 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.

The rustication on this Astleys looks remarkably like a Ferndown Bark, especially the ones Dolly Wood used to finish (Les always said that her Barks were the best). I can’t verify it as a Ferndown for certain, but do have a strong feeling about this one. Either way, it’s a lovely, very traditional foursquare, just like the briars of old, with a good sized chamber and a reasonable weight, which veteran smokers may find comfortable to clench.

The condition is very good. Some minor finish fading and rim darkening.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.56″ / 39.62mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g