JAMES UPSHALL DS Tilshead

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025

England, 1980s

Desmond Sautter was a reputable and successful London tobacconist based in Mayfair, able to commission pipes from the most famous English manufacturers. These makers were happy to add extra markings with the initials DS on the pipes—like this Tilshead pipe by James Upshall.

As Ken Barnes, co-founder of James Upshall, recalls, the company produced a limited edition for Desmond Sautter in the early 1980s. At that time, sales of James Upshall pipes in Sautter’s three stores (Mount Street, Piccadilly, and Russell Square) actually exceeded those in the entire United States.

Pipe markings “(JAMES UPSHALL) DS”, “TILSHEAD \ ENGLAND \ MADE BY HAND”
Length 17.3 cm (6.81″)
Bowl Height 5.2 cm (2.05″)
Outside Diameter 3.8 cm (1.5″)
Chamber Diameter 2.1 cm (0.83″)
Chamber Depth 4.7 cm (1.85″)
Weight 48 gr.

Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter.

The pipe is not for sale. It was restored to order and has already started a new life in a new cozy home.

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