| 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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