English Estates: Dunhill Ruby Bark (3108) (2001) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

The "3" stamp designates the bowl size; the "1" denotes a tapered stem; and the "08" represents the shape number. All those numbers combine to offer this classic bent Bulldog from Dunhill. A squat bowl keeps this pipe pocket-friendly, and the diamond shank out back increases its muscular appeal. A rare finish from the English marque, the Ruby Bark offers a sandblast similar to the textured Shell Briar but with a red stain and sterling silver accent. Unsmoked.

Dunhill's Ruby Bark finish is one that's gone through a fairly extensive evolution since its inception in 1972. It began as the Redbark and has always remained a red-stained sandblast, but the color was brightened a few years after its introduction before Dunhill returned to the original, darker hue in 1976. Eventually, though, the Redbark was discontinued in 1987. After a hiatus of several decades, the same ruby-stained sandblast was reimagined in the form of today's Ruby Bark finish, adding to the rich aesthetic crisp accents of sterling silver for a colorful presentation that still retains a high level of formality.