The previous owner, God rest his soul, wrote his name over the nomenclature and I’m unable to make anything out on this James Upshall. It looks like sea rock to me. No idea on model or dating. Any help, insight would be greatly appreciated!
Help Identifying a James Upshall
- Thread starter poettheologian
- Start date
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Interesting looking pipe! I'd guess it's late in the game, as initially, Upshall was devoted to making traditional English shapes.
Thanks Sablebrush, I had hoped you would comment. You helped me out dating an early 50’s Barling I had picked up for $2.
Definitely a post 1995, or whenever Moti took over ownership.
Upshalls were traditionally smooth English shapes. It was even noted in their advertising slogan “The tradition continues”, referring to smooth, high end, English freehand carved shapes.
After Ken Barnes left in 1988 or so, Barry Jones had the task of carving and running the business. New people were brought on to work the production side, and in my opinion the quality of the production slipped from previous work.
Barry Jones wasn’t well versed in business - he was a superb pipe maker. After a few years the business was facing bankruptcy. A buyer emerged, and took over the business.
Volume was the focus, and quality sort of fell by the wayside. Stummels were bought from outside sources and finished, with blasted stummels being introduced, something that had not been done previously, with exception of maybe a few examples.
The previously prestigious Upshall name was capitalized upon to generate sales, but the “Tradition” was gone…
Upshalls were traditionally smooth English shapes. It was even noted in their advertising slogan “The tradition continues”, referring to smooth, high end, English freehand carved shapes.
After Ken Barnes left in 1988 or so, Barry Jones had the task of carving and running the business. New people were brought on to work the production side, and in my opinion the quality of the production slipped from previous work.
Barry Jones wasn’t well versed in business - he was a superb pipe maker. After a few years the business was facing bankruptcy. A buyer emerged, and took over the business.
Volume was the focus, and quality sort of fell by the wayside. Stummels were bought from outside sources and finished, with blasted stummels being introduced, something that had not been done previously, with exception of maybe a few examples.
The previously prestigious Upshall name was capitalized upon to generate sales, but the “Tradition” was gone…
That looks like their Bark finish. This is one I owned. I also suspect a late era. Great tactile feel, very Sea Rock like, as noted.
Thank you for such a detailed answer, it helped me understand better about the pipe. The only other pipe from the company is a Tilshead Handmade in a Dublin shape.
Looks like a great pipe. I smoked it today, had a nice feeling in the hand and smoked really well.