I saw this identical pipe on Jimmy Craigs Ebay listings earlier this Spring, but my highest bid didn't make the cut. I love the Sovereign finish and XX size is just right (my Taylor Rhodesian is also XX). When this popped up from an Italian ebay seller last month, I made an offer and it was accepted. A tapered stem Rhodesian is one of my favorite shapes. This one is as close to the fabled Comoys 256 as I'm likely to get.

The pipe arrived yesterday and I had two opportunities to smoke it. Last night at Seneca Lake at the bandshell listening to big band music, what a spot eh? Unfortunately the seller forgot to pack the bag but promised to send it out today.

The pipe is built perfectly and smokes like a dream. It was pre-smoked, but must have only been smoked a few times as the bowl really showed almost no signs of use (or smell). That oil-cured briar is a real treat on the first few smokes, so I was glad to be able to enjoy it as well, not really expected on an estate purchase.

It passes a cleaner easily and the bit is very comfortable. I'd say it is a Group 3-4, which is perfect for my travel bag.

The last shot was taken enoute by the Susquehanna River in PA. It was too windy to keep my butane insert lit, but made for a nice picture...

Darn fin looking pipe sir, congrats. Are you using the butane lighter to light your pipes?

Thats a great looking pipe. I am a big fan of the Rhodesian shape as well.

Oh Man ! The classic English Bent Rhodesian ! Not only do the look good, they are one of the nicest smoking shapes there is !! You are one lucky man!! Classic

I use a tbird insert for travel use; but I am pretty careful with my light finish pipes. I hate scorch marks. I just cant strike a match out on the road.

No matter what a man normally smokes, it is hard to beat a quality English pipe, and the Rhodesian shape is the crème de la crème! Congrats riff raff, on a fine addition to anyone's collection.

What a great Ashton! I'm seriously jealous.


You've quite the eye for perfect, classic English pipes, Al!

Thanks guys; I look forward to getting to know this one better. Its rare that i spend that kind of money for a pipe so i'm very happy this one delivered.

***** !

My extra Ashton bag arrived today and I snapped a picture of both of my Ashton Rhodesians on the bag. Hopefully the Sovereign bag shows up and it so, I'll use the white bag for the Pebble Grain pipe. Interestingly, both are stamped XX, but the Pebble Grain pipe is slightly longer.

Oh my! That is one special pair!



The brindle saddle stem is gorgeous!

The Pebble Grain (Brindle) was a 50th birthday present from the wife last year. Unfortunately it took some work to make it a good smoker. Mr Taylors quality control wasn't as high as Mr Craig's......