English Estates: Dunhill Shell (61) (EK) (1976) Tobacco Pipe

A strapping Group 6 piece, this vintage "EK" Foursquare from Dunhill boasts a rugged, stolid disposition and a sure-sitting figure, making for a classic, reliable desk pipe. The bowl stands tall upon a flat base, with thick, straight walls framed by four crisp facets, each joined together by rounded corners for a comfortable presence in hand. Adding to this pipe's architectural character is an arrow-straight shank and stem out back, the arrangement's gradual taper pairing with its firm ridgelines to create a sleek profile. Dunhill's iconic Shell Briar finish accentuates this pipe's vintage appeal, dressing the stummel in a crisp, inky sandblast and offering plenty of textural detail to appreciate.

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.