English Estates: Dunhill Shell (4124) (1986) Tobacco Pipe

Even within the same Group size, Dunhill's "24" Foursquare shape can vary in its proportions, the shank and transition differing in their stoutness across iterations. This particular Group 4 piece exudes an air of refined charm — the shank marked by its low-lying exit from the transition, its paneled shaping keeping the lines firm while reinforcing the sleekness of the aft side. The bowl is likewise paneled, offering the shape's appealing in-hand feel, and it sits upright. There's no wonder why this design has remained a favorite desk pipe by many for decades, and Dunhill's rendition here is an archetypal one.

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.