James
Upshall pipes are graded by various finishes, i.e.
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,
i.e. 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 wise you
will find the James Upshall Bark and Sandblast
finish pipes, which fill and smoke as well 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 color 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 shape
chart 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.
