The perplexity here is deciding whether this pipe is new or has been smoked (and if so, for what, 10 seconds before the previous owner had a coronary and stopped smoking?). Everything I try points to the pipe being new: not a spot on the immaculate rim, all smooth in the chamber, not a hint of tobacco taste when dry puffing. But…it does have an aroma of latakia when smelling the bowl. Light, but it’s there. What I think is that this pipe has palled around with smoked pipes and the briar picked up a touch of the aroma. I’ve seen that before. So, here’s what I’ll do. I’ll split the difference, so to speak. If it were new, it would have to be at least $450, right? I’ll make this $350. In essence, you’e getting a new Ashton. At worst, one in near-new condition. And as you can see, it’s a beautiful pipe. Ilsa and Rick will always have Paris and you will always have an Ashton 3X Sovereign. The pipe will hold its looks better than Ingrid Bergman held hers (although I’d concede to anyone who wanted to argue that she might have been the most beautiful of screen stars). grp. 6 size.
6” long, bowl 2” tall. Weight: 1.75 oz., 49 grams.