English Estates: Ashton Pebble Grain Bent Bulldog (XX) (2016) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

Twin beadlines sit high on the bowl of this Ashton bent Bulldog, creating a very high waist. The waistline is so high, in fact, that it's hard to say at first glance where the top of the bowl ends and the rim begins. Initially, the latter appears to be domed and quite thick, but upon closer inspection, one finds there is a chamfered inner portion — the true rim within the pseudo-rim.

Another display of such subtle shaping can be found at the transition, especially at the bottom of the bowl. There, it's hard to pinpoint where the crisp edge of the diamond shank disappears and the rounded heel of the bowl first takes form. Regarding the Bulldog's signature diamond shank, the same shape carries over into the saddle stem to create a pair of pointed shoulders. The stem also displays a strong curve, making this offering well-suited for jaw hanging. In hand, this offering has a stimulating texture thanks to its Pebble Grain finish — an Ashton classic.

Founded in 1983 by William "Bill" Ashton-Taylor, who worked as a Dunhill apprentice, the Ashton workshop is lauded for its incredibly high standards of quality and mastery of classic English design principles. Today, the current owner, Jimmy Craig, remains committed to the founder's philosophy of equally prioritizing all parts of the pipe, and utilizing only the best materials and most pristine finishing.