English Estates: Dunhill Shell (83) (3) (S) (1974) Tobacco Pipe

Dated to 1974, this vintage "83" Zulu features the form's flaring bowl, gentle transition, and oval shank. In Group 3 size, this piece keeps the overall proportions slender and lightweight, which accentuates the sinuous nature of the design. The degree of bend along the tapered stem is subtler than many modern renditions, but the overall shape still possesses a flowing sense of line throughout. The stummel wears the dark Shell Briar sandblast, which accentuates the natural grain orientation of the briar quite well.

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.