Astleys Smooth Diplomat Estate Briar Pipe, 9mm, 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.

Astleys did not make many 9mm filter pipes, so if you prefer using them, and you like classic, handmade English pipes, this one might just be for you. It is more or less a traditional English diplomat, albeit with a widened shank to accommodate a 9mm bore. The grain and stain are as beautiful as should be expected from an Astleys. Judging by the shape, stain, and the filter option, I’d guess this was made by Barry and Ken at James Upshall.

The condition is great. There’s some very minor wear to the rim, but that’s all I see.

 

Details:

Length: 5.7″ / 144.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 1.28″ / 32.51mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g