Astleys of London, Smooth Ax Churchwarden, Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates [SOLD OUT] [SOLD OUT]

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.

If I had to guess, I would say that this particular Astleys was made by Dunhill, as the design is a dead ringer for Dunhill’s churchwarden version of their Quaint Hungarian shape. Or, it might have been made by Dunhill alumnus Les Wood. Either way, it’s an impressive specimen; an ax-like bowl dressed in a wine red stain, reaching 10 inches in length thanks to its long stem. The previous owner was clearly very careful with this one, and perhaps did not smoke it much at all, as it is in beautiful condition after so many years of Astleys being, sadly, closed for good.

Details:

Length: 10″

Bowl Width: 17.9mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″

Weight: 1.0oz / 30g