Astleys of London Smooth Bent Stacked 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.

I like to guess which pipe-maker I think created each of the Astleys that comes across my desk. While it’s often only an estimate, this one is even more difficult. It’s a long, stack billiard, with a pencil shank and a slight, gentle curvature. Who makes – or made – pipes like that? I’m torn between Charatan and James Upshall, as I’ve definitely seen somewhat similar pipes from those makes before. It’s certainly a hand made piece. In any case, it’s a beautiful pipe, with a golden brown stain and plenty of bird’s-eye and cross grain.

The condition is great too. There’s a dark patch on the rim that I’m fairly sure is just a darker patch in the briar, but I don’t see anything significant to note.

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 2.08″ / 52.83mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g