Sasieni Ashford Rustic

[ssjones]

A few months ago, at the Philly club meeting, Samthecoffeeman showed me a Sasieni Ashford in Rustic finish. Until I held a Sasieni in this finish, I didn't appreciate the work. So, when this Ashford Rustic went off last night, I couldn't resist. A Thanksgiving night auction end time helped. This will compliment my Ashford Ruff-Root. The seller has the weight listed at 41 grams, six more than my Ruff-Root, an interesting detail.
It looks to be in excellent shape, with perhaps just a tune up to the stem. (I do this with new pipes...)

 

[papipeguy]

Very nice pick-up, Al. I hope it smokes well for you.

 

[pitchfork]

Great score to go with the other one. What a collection you've put together. Ever consider some group shots?
I hereby declare you PipesMagazine's "Colossus of Rhodesians."

 

[danielplainview]

Very nice. I thought you were "done for the year." I can see why you had to have it. It's a beaut.

Congrats.

 

[ssjones]

Thought so too....
But when it comes to Sasieni Authors....

 

[ssjones]

Yep, Sam is to blame, pipe envy!

 

[misterlowercase]

I hereby declare you PipesMagazine's "Colossus of Rhodesians."

+1
No doubt,

struze fact.
Congrats on another sweet Rhodie Al!

 

[ssjones]

There is something I find very appealing about the tapered stem Rhodesian....

Here's a recent group shot. I'll have to pull that red-headed step child of a 9438 and replace it with the other Ashford...

 

[dmcmtk]

Well done Al. I really like the rustic finish on Sasieni's. A detailed, hand carved finish that followed the grain on the briar. Joel Sasieni's answer to the Dunhill Shell finish.

 

[saltedplug]

Unusual rustication, if that's what these curved, conglomerate lines would be called. Love the flow of the stem and shank.

 

[snagstangl]

So are you just getting rid of all your 9438's now?

 

[pitchfork]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[ssjones]

The pipe was delivered today and I finished it this evening. It had a little more oxidation on the stem than the pictures showed, but it was still a relatively easy clean-up. I put the details here:

http://rebornpipes.com/2014/12/01/sasieni-ashford-rustic-cleanup/

 

[buckaroo]

Wow, very nice! Were you able to sand right over the dots to remove the oxidation? Looks like you were. I have some oxidation on my Reigate, but I'm a bit hesitant to work on it. Thanks for detailing the steps.

 

[dottiewarden]

Very sweet pipe indeed!
Congratulations on your latest acquisition!

 

[ssjones]

@buckaroo: Yep, you can carefully sand over the inlaid dots. These had already faded from light blue to white (pretty common).
You can do the same on Dunhill and Comoys inlaid stem logos, which is why I really enjoy doing those stems. I don't use anything more abrasive than 1000 or 1500 around the inlay, just to play it safe.
I don't recall ever seeing a Sasieni dot come out but Dunhill dots will and the three piece Comoys logo can crack and become a little fragile. Proceed carefully with those older pieces.

 

[lochinvar]

Al, I've tried being calm, but the next time an example of chubby Author/Rhodesian goodness comes up for auction, I'm hiring the Russians to clear out your bank account, fair warning.
That is a great looking pipe, good job on the restoration. For some reason, I never got around to Sasieni before 2weeks ago and I'm kicking myself now. In regards to the bowl, is it lower in capacity than the GBD 9438 or about the same. Everytime I see an Ashford, it seems it has a narrower bowl than its GBD brothers.

 

[ssjones]

@ snagstangl: no 9438's were sacrificed! I was just saying I had to kick that saddle stem pipe out of the group photo. I'm down to a 7-day set of 9438's and that is where it will remain.
@Locinvar: The 9438 shape is significantly larger than either of my Ashfords and has a greater bowl capacity. The 9438 is around 60 grams, the two Ashfords are 35 and 41 grams. The 9242 slots right between those shapes.
The Rustic pipe is a little big larger in all dimensions compared to the blasted Ruff Root. Here's shot of both Ashfords. I didn't get home in time tonight to enjoy it, but I will light up a bowl tomorrow evening.

 

[buckaroo]

Thx for the tips! I'll get started on my Sasieni stem this weekend. Great photo btw.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Gorgeous. As you know, I love this shape Al, and am fortunate to also have an Ashford as well. I only wish they were easier to find. Nice find and a bang up restoration job.