Ashton: Sovereign Zulu with Silver (XX) Tobacco Pipe

According to our archives, we have seen a fair few Zulu renditions from Jimmy Craig of Ashton, though by no means enough to call them a common occurrence. What we have never seen, however, neither new or as an estate, is a Sovereign Zulu from the English workshop, making this the sole example of it that we've ever been in possession of. This piece showcases a very lithe, svelte construction throughout its length, with a somewhat tall bowl sitting on a pronounced, gestural heel, canting it forward just a touch as it flares to the rim. The transition is very wide, offering more than enough space for thumb-draping, and the shank itself is somewhat trim compared to the stem, meeting it at a broad band of silver at the junction, the combination continuing the gradual taper which the shank starts. The vulcanite stem's swirling black and green hues are quite dazzling, contrasting the stummel's light, natural stain sharply, as well as the silver band, making for a very contemporary take on a classic profile.