English Estates: Dunhill Bruyere (ODA) (806) (1975) Tobacco Pipe

One of Dunhill's most coveted lines, the "800" series offers large, robust renditions of the English marque's classic shapes, many of which are also awarded an ODA or ODB designation. Dated 1975, this particular vintage "806" is a fetching design that sees a plump, rounded bowl poised at the fore of an arrow-straight shank-and-stem arrangement. Even given this pipe's hearty size and build, the proportions here are spot on and precisely rendered, with the bowl, shank, and stem all harmoniously aligned within the composition. It's dressed in the smooth Bruyere finish, which highlights a fetching display of grain around the bowl.

The Bruyere was Alfred Dunhill's original finish upon launching his brand of premium pipes and smoking accessories and was the only Dunhill finish from 1910 until 1917. Even after the addition of other finishes, the Bruyere maintained a high level of popularity, becoming synonymous with what is thought of, even today, as the quintessential pipe. To achieve the iconic, ruby hue and saturation, a skilled craftsman painstakingly layers particular stains in a precise manner, then meticulously polishes the pipe to a high luster. The final result is, simply put, timeless.