Astleys of London Rusticated Dublin 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.

To me, this looks like one of Upshall’s rustication styles. Not the ‘Bark’ rustication, but the later approach used by Jones. It’s a very English (and perhaps also a little Irish) approach; a craggy, but glossy, hand carving, dressed in a reserved black-burgundy stain. It’s simple and elegant, and the design is completed by a jet black vulcanite stem. The shape is traditionally English too, being a classic Dublin of medium size, though one that is also fairly lightweight, and may yet be suitable for clenching.

The condition is near-mint. I see no significant issues that require highlighting.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″ / 44.45mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g