Ashton Sovereign Addition/Restoration

[ssjones]

I'm a fan of XX size Taylor era pipes. This one restored nicely, full details are in the Reborn Pipes blog entry below. This one checked all of my boxes: Sovereign grade, XX size (43 grams!) and a tapered stem. Not too challenging to restore. Bill was on his A game when he made this one - its drilled perfectly and easily passes a cleaner (never a given with Taylor era pipes).

Ashton Sovereign Bent Billiard Addition/Restoration

By Al Jones I’m not adding many pipes to my personal collection these days, but British made, small bent billiards always catch my attention. I love Taylor era Ashtons, particularly in the XX…

rebornpipes.com

Before:

 

[ssjones]

And finished:

 

[ssjones]

And my collection of smaller, bent Billiards, mostly British, one Italian interloper (KK Sea Rock)

 

[Dave760]

Just fantastic work. Well done. And what a lovely pipe to add to your collection.

Regarding drilling on older Ashton pipes: I once saw a straight billiard on which he'd drilled a little high, and then halfway through the opposite side of the bowl. He had good days and bad days, I guess.

 

[huntertrw]

Beautiful combination of grains in that one, and a fine job of restoration. Congratulations; Mr. Taylor would be proud!

 

[huntertrw]

Regarding the dating of this pipe, I thought that Ashton first appeared in 1983, not 1980 as noted in your article on rebornpipes.com. If so, then your pipe would date to 1995, correct?

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Regarding the dating of this pipe, I thought that Ashton first appeared in 1983, not 1980 as noted in your article on rebornpipes.com. If so, then your pipe would date to 1995, correct?

Ashton began (as a pipe marque) in 1983.
A "12" stamp indicates 1992.

1983 pipes were stamped with a "3".

 

[huntertrw]

A "12" stamp indicates 1992.

You are correct, Sir! (I just confirmed this on the pipedia.com Website). Thanks for the clarification.

 

[ssjones]

You are correct, Sir! (I just confirmed this on the pipedia.com Website). Thanks for the clarification.

I had to double-check before committing, Bill Taylor, you are still messing with my head!

 

[jaingorenard]

Brilliant restoration!

That James Upshall spigot is a really stunning pipe as well...

 

[pepperandjack]

Such beautiful pipes!