English Estates: James Upshall Smooth Billiard (S) Tobacco Pipe

The James Upshall pipe was first produced as a line of ultra-premium pieces from the workshop of Kenneth Barnes and Barry Jones, who split from Charatan in 1978, the company named after one of Barne's pipe smoking relatives: James Archelaus Upshall. Upshall pipes have acquired widespread acclaim since their founding, owing to the brand's fastidious focus on perfection in both engineering and shaping. Though unfortunately, Kenneth Barnes passed away in 2021, Upshall pipes are still produced today, staying true to the high standards that they set for themselves in 1978. This Billiard rendition features an affably rounded, plump bowl paired to a comparatively trim stretch of straight shank and tapering stem that elegantly diminishes toward the lip button. Said bowl is comfortable in hand and sits at the end of a wide transition, the overall light weight here allowing for easy clenching, while its walls rise to a ridgeline-marked taper to the rim. The stummel's traditional walnut stain further accentuates this piece's classic appeal and highlights an abundance of handsome grain throughout.