Ashton: Old Church Dublin (LX) Tobacco Pipe

The "LX" and "ELX" gradings are Ashton's two largest size designations, respectively, with this "LX" Dublin presenting a more reserved build than is expected from the designation. The bowl sits proudly atop a pronounced heel, flaring gently toward the rim in a languid arc at the fore, while the aft keeps its lines a touch more stolid. There's plenty of room at the wide transition to drape a digit, and the shank which ebbs forth from it meets a sleek saddle of brindled black and teal vulcanite that keeps the aft of this pipe feeling sleek while offering a wealth of color contrast. Dressing the briar here is Ashton's iconic Old Church sandblast, revealing quavering growth rings through the midsection, while both flanks of the bowl feature blasted birdseye.

William "Bill" Ashton Taylor began working for Dunhill in 1959 at 15 years old, manning one of the legendary English marque's lathes after a lengthy apprenticeship. During his time at the White Spot, Bill absorbed all the secrets of the craft he could from their experienced carvers, coming into his own as a carver and marking the start of a lengthy career. After feeling the need to start his own company, Bill founded Ashton pipes in 1983, going into business for himself and holding his work to extremely strict standards of quality that have earned the Ashton name an excellent reputation. William passed away in 2009, entrusting Ashton's production to Jimmy Craig, his protege, who has maintained the stringent standards of his predecessor, creating pieces with timeless appeal and classic charm.