English Estates: Dunhill Bruyere 'Innertube' Patent (HW) (LB) (8) (1919-1923) Tobacco Pipe

A classically handsome specimen, this antique "LB" Billiard from Dunhill was hand-worked sometime between 1919 and 1923, making it a highly collectible piece. In addition to the "HW" and "LB" markings, the shank also bears an innertube patent number. Dunhill's proprietary innertubes were used to keep the pipe's interior clean in the days before pipe cleaners were commonplace. Designed to be disposable, the aluminum tubes could simply be replaced when dirty. Adding to this piece's collectibility is its "LB" shape. This designation, shorthand for "Long Billiard", was used from the 1920's to the 1970's — a relatively short blip amidst the English marque's storied history. With a strappingly-sized bowl and muscular shank, this piece would no doubt find itself in Dunhill's Group 5 size category today. Dressing this Billiard is the marque's timeless, ruby-tinged Bruyere finish.

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.