Astleys of London Sandblasted Straight Billiard 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.

As far as proportions go, this immediately strikes me as a Dunhill-made Astleys. Except for one thing – this Astleys is longer than comparable Dunhills by about 1.5cm With such traditionally-inclined shapes, it’s always hard to tell for sure. But it does strike me as being very close to a Shell Briar billiard. Perhaps you have your own thoughts. In any case, and as mentioned, the pipe is a very traditional, fishtail billiard, with a nice dark brown – almost black – sandblasted finish. Despite its size, the pipe is not especially heavy, so veteran smokers may find it comfortable to clench for shorter durations.

The condition is excellent. It is magnificently preserved, with a finish free of blemishes, an ebonite stem free from abrasions, and crisp nomenclature.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.87 / 22.09mm

Bowl Depth: 1.71″ / 43.43mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g