Blog by Al Jones

The Sasieni “Ashford” is a favorite Author shape. Earlier this year I found a tan, sandblasted “Ruff Root” version.  This shape is also shown as Shape 88 on the Sasieni chart.  Sasieni’s unique “Rustic” finish is their rusticated and carved finish, which follows the grain line.    Below is how Sasieni describes the finish.  I was unable to determine exactly when the “Rustic” finish was started, but it is listed in a 1936 catalog page.  This pipe is a pre-Transition era piece, made between 1946 and 1979.  The use of “Four Dot”, the Sasieni script and Ashford town name identify the era of its manufacture.

The pipe looked in excellent condition and I thought it just might require a mild clean-up.  Below are pictures of the pipe from the Ebay ad.

On delivery, the stem had more oxidation than visible in the Ebay pictures.   There was some mild cake in the bowl, but once removed, it was in very good shape.  I soaked the bowl with alcohol and sea salt.    The stamping on the polished nomenclature area was very clear.

As I mentioned, the stem had some mild oxidation.  I started with 800 grit paper, then worked my way thru 1000, 1500 and 2000 grades.  I then finished the stem with 8000 and 12000 grade micromesh.  The stem was then buffed with white diamond rouge.    I hand polished the bowl with some Halycon wax and a cotton cloth.

Below is the finished pipe.  Interestingly, this Rustic version of the Ashford weigh 42 grams while the sand-blasted Ruff Root version is only 35 grams.

And a shot of both pre-Transition era Ashfords, a Rustic and a Ruff Root.  Interestingly, the Rustic is as mentioned 6 grams heavier and slightly larger overall.