Astleys Smooth 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.

I’ve become very familiar with Astleys over the years, and I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve come across one that I didn’t like. It should come as no surprise that I like this one, too. It’s a classic, slender English billiard – almost Bing in terms of length – with gorgeous bird’s-eye and cross grain surrounding its bowl. The pipe’s golden brown contrast stain accentuates these patterns marvelously. I’d imagine this one was made by James Upshall, especially given their predilection for contrast stains à la Charatan.

The condition is great. Some minor wear to the rim.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.75 / 19.05mm

Bowl Depth: 1.52″ / 38.60mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g