English Estates: Dunhill Tanshell (249) (F/T) (1) (T) (1970) Tobacco Pipe

A trim, lightweight Billiard, this Dunhill "249" is rendered in Group 1 proportions and is a thoroughly traditional take on the shape chart standard. The petite bowl is perched on the end of the slender, arrow straight shank-and-stem combination, the mouthpiece considerably longer than the shank. Crafted back in 1970, this piece is handsomely dressed in the crisp Tanshell finish, which highlights healthy grain throughout the stummel.

Created in 1951, the Tanshell marked Dunhill's fourth finish behind the Bruyere (1910), Shell Briar (1917), and Root Briar (1931); however, Dunhill didn't complete the "Tanshell" stamp until December 1951, waiting until 1952 to actually introduce the first Tanshell pipes. Considered one of the English marque's rarest, most collectible finishes, the Tanshell boasts a concise sandblast but unlike the dark-stained Shell Briar, the Tanshell is naturally stained, intended to develop a warm patina as it darkens with prolonged use over time.