| James Upshall pipes are graded by various finishes
ie bark, sandblast, black dress and smooth etc. Then by cross
grain, flame grain, straight grain and, last but not least, the
perfect high grade, which consists of dense straight grain to the
bowl and shank. The latter being extremely rare. In addition, the
price varies according to group size ie from 3-4-5-6 cm high
approximately Extra Large. We also have the Empire Series which
are basically the giant size, individually hand crafted pipes
which come in all finishes and categories of grain. All our pipes
are individually hand carved from the highest quality, naturally
dried Greek briar.
In order to simplify our grading system, let me divide our
pipes into 4 basic categories.
1. It begins with the Tilshead pipe, which smokes every bit as
good as the James Upshall but has a slight imperfection in the
briar. In the same category price wish you will find the James
Upshall Bark and Sandblast finish pipes, which fill and smoke as
good as the high grades.
2. In this category we have the best "root quality"
which means that the grain is either cross, flame or straight,
which is very much apparent through the transparent differing
colour finishes. This group will qualify as the "S"-
Mahogany Red, "A" - Chestnut Tan and "P" -
Walnut. The latter having the straighter grain.
3. Here you have only straight grain, high grade pipes, which
run from the "B", "G", "E",
"X" and "XX". The latter will be the supreme
high grade. Considering the straightness of the grain the latter
category is also the rarest. Usually no more than 1% of the
production will qualify.
4. Lastly, we have the Empire Series. These are basically
Limited Edition gigantic individually hand crafted pieces, which
again are extremely rare due to the scarcity of large, superior
briar blocks.
We also offer a selection of finely engineered silver and gold
banding for pipes. Bands are available in silver, 9ct and 18ct
gold, the width can be 6mm or 10mm and they can be fitted flush or
on the surface. Bands are finished in plain, engine turned with
barley or line patterns and also in gold with large hallmarks.
Army mounts and spigot mounts can only be applied to round stemmed
pipes.
Please see the chart below which shows the different shapes
available in all group sizes and finishes. Also please look at the
size chart to assist in your selection of the right pipe for you.
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