Astleys of London Smooth Straight 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’m not sure whether to call this Astleys a Liverpool or a billiard, but in times of uncertainty, ‘billiard’ tends to do the trick. Whatever one calls it, it’s a fairly large, beautiful pipe, with a stunning mixture of bird’s-eye and flame grain. The stain is excellent too, and is almost reminiscent of Tom Eltang’s golden contrast finish.

The condition is excellent. There may be a couple of handling marks on the left flank and outermost rim, but these might just be darker spots in the stain. Superficial imperfections, in any case.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.74″ / 44.19mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g