Astleys Rusticated Square Shank 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 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.

With its bark style rustication and juxtaposition of a squared shank with a traditional billiard bowl, I’d be pretty surprised if this wasn’t made by James Upshall. Even if we disregard questions as to who made it, though, it’s a great pipe, with a stout, assertive character and nicely thick bowl walls. I’d imagine it could handle just about any blend you throw at it.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and minor finish fading, and slight residual oxidation on the stem. Nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.55″ / 39.37mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g