Quote Originally Posted by NeverBend View Post
Jim, you can post anytime as long as you're wearing shoes.

"X" is James Upshall's own grade. They actually had/have an "XX" and "XXX" grade but I think I only saw 1 or possibly 2 of each of the multiple X grades and perhaps 15-20 "X" graded pipes.

This pipe was made after my time with Upshall. The background stain appears to be different and the pipe looks like it was entirely made by Barry Jones and so it has a decided Charatan flavor.

What makes this pipe special are several factors:
Clean. No surface flaws and in this case I don't even see any sand pits. The cleaner the greater the value.
Finish. Smooth pipes are actually the easiest finish to make but the trick, certainly at this level, is to remove the flaws from the surface.
Grain. Fully grained (no bald or wash spots) and the grain runs straight and that's perhaps the most preferred way that pipe maker can capture it.
Size. Larger is better at least from a price and often smoker preference perspective.
Shape. A classical shape is more difficult to render (by hand and clean) than a freehand where the pipe maker has a lot of latitude in shaping and running flaws.

The size of this pipe with it's grain running the full height of the bowl indicates a very high probability that it was an old and high quality piece of briar. Given the grain, finish and shape all of the best qualities of a consummate pipe maker are in evidence and Barry is one of the best ever.
Appreciate the info. I have now decided that I love and admire that pipe.