English Estates: Dunhill Ruby Bark (5226) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

The "26" is Dunhill's take on the classic Oom Paul, a shape defined by its cylindrical bowl, tight-knit transition, and vertically inclined shank-and-stem arrangement. In Group 5 size, all of the shape's core aspects are retained, but in a larger, more substantial size. That being said, while this particular rendition is certainly muscular, it remains lightweight enough to hang from the jaw. The rich Ruby Bark sandblast dresses the stummel, its bright complexion complemented by a band of sterling silver.

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.