Astleys of London, Smooth Straight Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

This Astleys is an interesting shape. It is essentially a brandy, but the height and the distinctly wide base of the bowl almost reminds me of Sasieni’s Moreton shape. In any case, it’s a great looking pipe from the famous English tobacconist, and what’s more, it’s completely unsmoked, which is a rarity for Astley pipes these days. A golden brown stain highlights the beautiful patterns of the briar, which is further complemented by the jet black vulcanite stem. This pipe is also very light, meaning it is perfectly suited for clenching.

Details:

Length: 5.5″

Bowl Width: 19.0mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″

Weight: 1.1oz / 32g