Astleys of London Rusticated Straight Pot 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.

This particular Astleys looks to be an example of the Bark finish used by James Upshall in the make’s later years. The pipe is a traditional pot, or short billiard, shape, dressed in an equally traditional burgundy stain. It’s not particularly heavy, so veteran smokers may find it clenches comfortably enough.

The condition s great. There’s some minor rim darkening and very minor finish fading on the outer rim, but nothing major I that I can note.

Details:

Length: 5″ / 127.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.46″ / 37.08mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g