English Estates: James Upshall Smooth Bent 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. A classically inclined bent Billiard, this piece from the English workshop is a fine example of their lauded craftsmanship and style. The tapered bowl houses a generous chamber, perfect for long smokes, while the walls flare at the midriff and sweep back around a subdued heel and transition. A muscular round shank continues the near "S" curve of the heel, finishing out with a comfortable vulcanite stem, bent for easy clenching. The stummel wears a rich, deep, dark stain, revealing fine flame grain around the bowl