Astleys Smooth Lovat Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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 Ashton, Dunhill, Charatan, Ferndown, and James Upshall. As a result, Astleys pipes are prized for their quality, and as examples of the very finest British pipes.

Judging by the proportions of this particular Astleys, I do wonder whether it might have been made by one of the Great British factories for the Jerymn St shop. Taking the form of a highly traditional Lovat, the pipe is around a group 3 to 4 size, and a genuine featherweight, coming in at just under an ounce. Dressed in a reserved, dark brown finish, it all comes together to create a very elegant smoking instrument, just as one would expect from an Astleys.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and a couple of very slight scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.74″ / 18.79mm

Bowl Depth: 1.38″ / 35.05mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 26g