Astleys Smooth Straight Rhodesian 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 an exceptionally traditional offering from the venerable English make. In fact, it’s so traditional, it reminds me of the fin de siècle briar pipes by French companies such as Sommer. Of course, this pipe didn’t come from an ancient French make, but from a modern English one. Which one? It’s a mystery, though we have our suspects narrowed down, as indicated above.

The condition is excellent. A very small spot of darkening at the rim’s rear.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″ / 38.10mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g