English Estates: Dunhill Root Briar Billiard (DR*) (2002) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's Dead Root designation is an extremely rare one, as its standards for application are so exacting that we've only ever received a handful of any grading. This one-star Billiard presents a timeless shape for lovers of classic pipe-chart standards. Fashioned back in 2002, this piece represents one of Dunhill's most sought-after designations within their standard lineup, and the shaping here is utterly timeless, pairing a proud, upright bowl to a svelte length of shank and stem that gives credence to the staying power of shape-chart classics.

Dunhill's "DR" designation on certain Root Briars signifies a special class of pipes: Dead Root. Like all Root Briars, these pieces maintain flawless briar, but with especially choice grain on display. Before the Root Briar line's introduction in 1931, "DR" was stamped on Bruyere pipes that showed handsome grain, but Dunhill wanted a more grain-defining finish, leading to the creation of the Root Briar. Starting in 1979, The White Spot extended the grade further — replacing the letter grading system with stars, increasing in prestige from one to seven. A Dead Root pipe represents the best of Dunhill's standard selection, yet remains quite rare compared to the English marque's overall lineup.