Astleys of London Zulu Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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 cannot know for sure, but I would put good money on this Astleys being a James Upshall-made pipe. Not only is the grain absolutely superb in a way that a lathe turned pipe would struggle to be, it is also dressed in a walnut stain strongly reminiscent of that used by Upshall for ‘P’ grade pipes in the 1980s. The shape is quite unique, too, being a slightly bent, oval shank billiard-Zulu hybrid. As Upshall never used shape charts, and made each pipe by hand, it would make sense that such a distinct design would come from their workshop. As said, I cannot know with absolute certainty, but the straight grain and stain suggest Jones and Barnes’ craftsmanship on this one.

The condition is excellent. I see nothing significant to point out as far as imperfections go, but please consult the pictures for yourself before purchasing.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.74″ / 44.19mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g