Astleys of London Smooth Prince 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.

Though this Astleys prince is a little larger than the shape usually is, it is no less elegant for it. This probably has something to do with the superb cross grain around the bowl, and the masterful stain, which reminds me a little of Tom Eltang’s golden contrast finish. Traditional shapes don’t get much more charming than this.

The condition is very good. There is a small nick on the outermost rim, but it is superficial. The finish and vulcanite stem are well preserved, and even the Astleys stem logo has remained intact.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.37″ / 34.79mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g