English Estates: Dunhill Ruby Bark (4407) (2011) Tobacco Pipe

One of the English marque's most recognizable shapes, this "07" Prince from Dunhill is a testament to the high standard of quality to which the iconic company holds its work. One of the more elegant shapes on the chart, this Prince is possessed of subtle, supple curvature, the stem only slightly bent, shank nearly straight, while the bowl rests on a gently lifted heel, its flared waistline complimented by the angle of the transition. The rim slants forward, tying together the composition's curves with a gentle slope, giving the stummel a demure character to match the litheness of the stem. Dressed handsomely in the crimson sandblast of the Ruby Bark finish, this regal pipe is sure to impress with its striking grain and sterling silver accent.

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.