English Estates: Dunhill Shell Briar ODA (843) (F/T) (1985) (Aftermarket 18K Gold Band) Tobacco Pipe

This full-bodied Billiard is part of Dunhill's "800" series and as such, is larger, while still retaining that classic English shape chart tradition. A tall, deeply chambered, plump bowl transitions seamlessly into a muscular shank with a flat underside that enables this piece to sit stably upright. Displaying impressive grain patterns thanks to the Shell Briar finish, this pipe is further enhanced by an 18K gold band, which is a cosmetic, aftermarket addition. An elegant, bold design, this piece is further commended by a black saddle stem.

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.