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 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 is a charmingly simple, traditional billiard. The stem-work looks like James Upshall to me, but alas I cannot say for certain. But, I can certainly say that it’s a beautiful pipe, dressed in a rich golden brown hue, and with a weight that may well be clenchable for veteran smokers.

The condition is good. Some finish fading on the rim, a small superficial scratch at 2 o’clock and some light stem chatter, but nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.36″ / 34.54mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g