English Estates: Dunhill Root Briar Acorn (DR***) (1994) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

A rare example of a Pickaxe shape from Dunhill, this piece features a tall, sleek bowl with a thin plateau rim that rests on a spurred heel, all at the fore of a slim round shank and bent vulcanite stem. A rare three star Dead Root briar, this piece is among the English marque's finest and rarest pipes.

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.