English Estates: Dunhill Shell (51019) (1981) Tobacco Pipe

For some time, Dunhill stamped pipes with a 5-digit shape designation instead of the standard 4-digit one used now. The first four numbers remained true to the current shape chart; however, the fifth denoted a certain, unnamed variation of the shape. In this Group 5 "01" Apple piece, the "9" stamp references the oval shank, providing a sleek profile and more gentle transition. It's all dressed in the English marque's iconic Shell sandblast, offering delightful texture to this unique iteration of the classic shape.

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.