Ashton: Brindle Bent Billiard (XXX) Tobacco Pipe

This is a handsome take on the bent Billiard from Ashton, with a demure bit of curvature through its shank-and-stem combination, though it boasts plenty of timeless style. The transition is wide, with plenty of room to drape a digit, giving way to a softly lifted shank paired here to a tapering stem of black and yellow vulcanite. This combination does well to balance a plump bowl at the fore, a slightly lifted heel supporting walls which taper softly toward the rim and offer comfort in the hand. Dressed in the dark sandblast of the Brindle series, this pipe showcases plenty of handsome grain, the stem lending rich contrast.

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.