Old Church Poker (XXX) (2026) (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

At 15, William (Bill) Ashton-Taylor began his pipe-making career by signing under Alfred Dunill. Starting as an intern and affiliated 'tea boy,' Bill retained a keen interest in pipe making. Eventually, this sparked the attention of Harry Saigrott who began showing Bill the artistry of pipe making. By 1980, Bill founded Ashton Company, setting a high standard for craftsmanship and the quality of materials used. Sadly, Bill passed away in 2009, but pipe maker Jimmy Craig proudly carries on the Ashton name. This Poker by Ashton is an archetypal rendition of the shape. The bowl is possessed of thick, insulating walls that extend from the flattened underside to the rim, creating a sturdy, cylindrical form. Out back, the shank extends from a low-set transition, keeping the composition proportional as it flows to the tapered stem, which gives the profile a sleek appearance. Additionally, the stummel is dressed in Ashton's Old Church sandblast, highlighting craggy growth rings in a warm, chestnut stain, which fosters a rustic appeal.