There are a couple of elements of the pipe in question that don’t exactly fit just perfectly here so I took the liberty of clearing this post with management ahead of time. I hope you will find it interesting.
Many years ago, would have been mid 90’s, I had an opportunity to visit Astley’s in London. I can’t remember what drew me to that particular shop but I have a vague recollection that Kipling mentioned it somewhere. The story that I had in mind did infact mention a tobacconist but it turns out that it was not Astley’s. Whatever the reason I do remember that I was drawn enough to walk there from Mayfair. Not a huge distance but a bit of a hike.
On entering the shop I was immediately aware that something unusual was taking place. There was another gentleman at the counter, fairly well dressed and the shopkeeper on the other side. They were having a heated and quite loud discussion.
As I entered I could tell the shopkeeper was instantly somewhat embarrassed that another customer had arrived. The conversation went like this:
You must give me something for it
No. I can’t. Please leave.
I have to leave the country and I need money. Give me something!
I’m not the owner. I’m not authorized You have to go.
Just give me anything!
FINE! Here is 50 Pounds. Now get out!
I couldn’t tell exactly what it was but even from the short distance I could see it was something special. So I walked up and said “I’ll give you the 50 for that” to which he replied, “I can take 80.”
I still believe I got a deal. It’s solid silver with an ivory shank and silver mouth piece. It is unsmoked and my guess is that it is an opium or perhaps hash pipe Neither of which I know anything about, but the small chamber suggests that it was not for tobacco. Over the years it’s darkened and taken on a patina. The whole pipe was the color of the inside of the cap when I got it. This is the first time I’ve showed it to any besides my wife. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Many years ago, would have been mid 90’s, I had an opportunity to visit Astley’s in London. I can’t remember what drew me to that particular shop but I have a vague recollection that Kipling mentioned it somewhere. The story that I had in mind did infact mention a tobacconist but it turns out that it was not Astley’s. Whatever the reason I do remember that I was drawn enough to walk there from Mayfair. Not a huge distance but a bit of a hike.
On entering the shop I was immediately aware that something unusual was taking place. There was another gentleman at the counter, fairly well dressed and the shopkeeper on the other side. They were having a heated and quite loud discussion.
As I entered I could tell the shopkeeper was instantly somewhat embarrassed that another customer had arrived. The conversation went like this:
You must give me something for it
No. I can’t. Please leave.
I have to leave the country and I need money. Give me something!
I’m not the owner. I’m not authorized You have to go.
Just give me anything!
FINE! Here is 50 Pounds. Now get out!
I couldn’t tell exactly what it was but even from the short distance I could see it was something special. So I walked up and said “I’ll give you the 50 for that” to which he replied, “I can take 80.”
I still believe I got a deal. It’s solid silver with an ivory shank and silver mouth piece. It is unsmoked and my guess is that it is an opium or perhaps hash pipe Neither of which I know anything about, but the small chamber suggests that it was not for tobacco. Over the years it’s darkened and taken on a patina. The whole pipe was the color of the inside of the cap when I got it. This is the first time I’ve showed it to any besides my wife. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
