Ashton: Claret Billiard with Bamboo (XXX) Tobacco Pipe

The use of bamboo in pipe making has risen in popularity since World War II, when briar was often unavailable. The lightweight, organic material was used to save on briar, and now it's a staple accent in the pipe-making world. This Group 6 Billiard from Ashton employs such a convention, as three knuckles of the pale grass are displayed, contrasting the jet-black saddle stem and rich, ruby stain of the English marque's Claret finish. As expected, the proportions between the stout, rounded bowl and the assemblage in back are well balanced, with a flattened underside enabling this pipe to sit sturdily upright.