Dunhill Bruyere (252) (4R) with After-Market Flush Gold Band (1971) Tobacco Pipe

This cross-grained Dunhill straight billiard has weathered its forty-two years on this earth remarkably well: the original stem is intact and without bite marks, the finish only show a few small dings, the rim was thankfully spared any knocking against hard surfaces, and the gold-plated band appears to have been a purely aesthetic addition, as the shank-face shows no sign of any cracks. Speaking of which, gold does make an attractive compliment to the deep warmth of the Buyere's (well-preserved) richly-red auburn, and, again thankfully, the none of the pipe's original stampings were obscured when it was fitted (something of a pet peeve of mine, though I do understand it's often unavoidable).

- Eric N. Squires