English Estates: Dunhill Amber Flame (DR 2 Flame) (XL) (2006) Tobacco Pipe

Although Dunhill is world famous for their century-old shape chart, this pipe eschews their traditional designs and presents a unique Freehand, which combines the flared bowl of the Dublin and the arcing shank-and-stem arrangement of the Hawkbill. This piece embraces the atypical shaping due to its remarkable grain pattern, which is denoted by both the "DR" and two Amber Flame stamps, esteemed appellations that only adorn Dunhill's finest offerings. The bowl showcases stunning tendrils of flame grain, which rise all the way from the sharp, pronounced heel to the broad rim. Furthermore, the flame grain extends along the flanks of the shank, while the underside is freckled with birdseye. This rare Amber Flame offering from Duhill would be a striking centerpiece of any collection of the marque's work.

One of Dunhill's more recent finishes, the Amber Root was introduced in 1995. Like the Root Briar, it showcases a smooth stain, accentuating the briar's natural grain in traditional style. Typically auburn-hued, the Amber Root is often a touch darker in color than that of the Root Briar, pairing handsomely with the jet-black stem for an aesthetic that combines the grain definition of the Root Briar finish with the darker, smokier tones of the Bruyere. The Amber Flame designates those pipes dressed in this finish that display superlative grain and, much like the Dead Root, have a secondary grading system: Each pipe is graded with flames which increase in quantity as the quality of the grain revealed becomes even more brilliant.