Astleys of London Rusticated Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe

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 Astleys strikes me as either a Les Wood or a James Upshall. I haven’t been able to confirm, but the finish seems to be to be either the equivalent of Ferndown’s Bark or Upshall’s rusticated finish, especially given that the rim has been left smooth polished. In any case, it’s a great pipe; a classic, English bent billiard from a classic English maker. While it feels good in the hand, it will clench and hang with ease, being only 42 grams in weight.

The condition is excellent too. I can’t see any issues that need highlighting as regards its rim, finish or vulcanite stem.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.75 / 19.05mm

Bowl Depth: 1.6″ / 40.64mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g