Description
Ashton pipes typically embrace classic English shapes — from billiards and bulldogs to Dublin and Canadian forms — often finished in either smooth, rusticated, or deeply textured sandblasted styles.
This pipe is a flat bottom panel pipe that sits unaided upon a table. This pipe has never been smoked and is in like-new condition. The bottom of the shank is stamped "Ashton Pebble Grain", "Made in England", "24" and "XX". The pebble-grain finish on the shank transitions beautifully to a diamond profile saddle stem.
The pipe you see is the pipe you get. This pipe came to us from a private collection, and where necessary, has been expertly restored by a local craftsman. This pipe has not been previously smoked. Because it has been pre-owned, the price is drastically reduced compared to what this pipe would cost new (assuming that you could even find it). We stand behind these pipes; if you ever have an issue, return it to us for repair or refund. Note: Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.
| Bowl Height (Outside) | 1.52” / 39mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.78” / 45mm |
| Pipe Length | 5.5” / 140mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.25” / 32mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .79” / 20mm |
| Pipe Weight | 35g |
| Pipe Shape | Panel Pipe |
| Stem Shape | Straight |
| Filter | No |
| Shape Number | XX |
| Bowl Material | Briar |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Rusticated |
| Country | England |
About Ashton Pipes
For aficionados of quality briar pipes, Ashton tobacco pipes hold a special place in the pantheon of fine smoking instruments. Born out of the passion and expertise of one man, this brand has become synonymous with classic English styling, meticulous handwork, and an aesthetic that balances tradition with innovation.
The story of Ashton begins in 1983, when William “Bill” Ashton Taylor, a seasoned artisan who had spent 25 years working at the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Ltd factory, struck out on his own to create pipes that reflected his personal standards for quality and performance. After mastering the craft in London — from humble beginnings sweeping up briar remnants to mastering mouthpiece and bowl design — Taylor brought a rare combination of experience and vision to his own brand.
One of Ashton’s defining features is its use of deep sandblasting techniques that reveal the natural grain of the briarwood in dramatic, textured detail. This approach — often more forceful and intricate than that used by other makers at the time — gave Ashton pipes a distinctive craggy look that quickly caught the attention of pipe enthusiasts.
Material selection was central to Taylor’s philosophy. He personally sourced high-quality briar from regions such as Calabria and Tuscany in Italy, choosing Calabrian wood for smooth finishes and Tuscan wood for sandblasted models. This careful selection ensured not only beauty but also a smoking experience prized for its coolness and balance.
A hallmark of Ashton pipes is the patented “oil curing” process, adapted from Taylor’s time at Dunhill and refined under his direction. By heating and soaking the briar bowls in natural oils over a period of days, this technique removes impurities and imbues the wood with a characteristic nutty aroma — a subtle but appreciated quality among those who value a refined smoke.
The brand also introduced “Ashtonite”, a unique mouthpiece material blending the comfort of vulcanite with the resilience and sheen of acrylic. This compound helped bridge the gap between softer rubber stems and harder acrylic ones, offering a comfortable feel with lasting aesthetics.
Ashton pipes typically embrace classic English shapes — from billiards and bulldogs to Dublin and Canadian forms — often finished in either smooth, rusticated, or deeply textured sandblasted styles. While occasional silver accents appear on some models, the emphasis remains on understated elegance rather than flamboyant ornamentation.
After Taylor’s passing in 2009, former colleague Jimmy Craig took over production, carrying forward the brand’s foundational techniques and standards. Craig’s tenure has maintained the handcrafted nature of Ashton pipes, with stems hand-cut from solid vulcanite and attention to traditional sandblasting methods that made the brand famous.
Today, Ashton pipes are prized by collectors and smokers alike for their quality briar, thoughtful design, and classic styling. They stand as a testament to one craftsman’s dedication to the pipe-making art and continue to offer an experience that blends English tradition with personal craftsmanship.
