English Estates: Ashton Claret Dublin with Silver (LX) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

Beginning his career under Alfred Dunhill, William Ashton-Taylor eventually founded the Ashton brand in 1980, focusing on using the best materials and artists to craft exemplary pipes. After William passed away in 2009, the brand's name was carried on by Jimmy Craig who maintains the company's long-standing reputation for quality pipes crafted with care. A muscular rendition of the shape-chart standard, this Dublin from Ashton combines various textures, hues, and materials to create a piece that would diversify any collection. From a firm heel, the thick and insulating walls of the bowl subtly flare toward a flat rim that looks into a respectable tobacco chamber. The transition leaves ample room to wrap the thumb as it gives way to a rounded, sturdy shank. Connecting said shank to a tapered vulcanite stem is a hefty accent band made of silver, bringing a pop of shine to a classic design. The inky coloration of the mouthpiece pairs well to the English marque's stunning Claret sandblast, dressed in a ruby stain.