English Estates: Dunhill Shell Briar (31031) (2001) Tobacco Pipe

This hearty Billiard from Dunhill is a fine example of the English marque's traditional style. The palm-filling bowl features a soft heel paired to a round shank and tapered vulcanite stem, presenting a classically English silhouette. Dressed in Dunhill's Shell Briar sandblast, the stummel boasts a wealth of texture for the fingers to explore.

The Shell Briar's addition to the Dunhill catalog was a pivotal moment in pipe-smoking history. Before 1917, pipes with sandblasted finishes had never been made, and Alfred Dunhill's innovative mind created arguably the most popular finish for pipes today when he unveiled the Shell Briar. With its dark, reserved color palette and delightful texture, it's no surprise that it's still wildly popular over a century later.