Astleys Smooth 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 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.

This particular Astleys is a very traditional pot shape, reminiscent of classic renditions from Charatan, Dunhill, and Barling, including in its featherweight proportions. Where it really shines, however, is in its grain patterns, which outshine those more expected a factory make. I would be surprised if it hadn’t been turned by Barry Jones of James Upshall.

The condition is very good. Some minor darkening and a few scratches on the rim, but nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.3″ / 33.02mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g