English Estates: Dunhill Bruyere (LBS) (4) (A) (F/T) (1970) Tobacco Pipe

This 1970 Billiard from Dunhill is a fine exemplar of both the quality and history the English marque represents. Stamped with an "A" that denotes "first quality" briar, and wearing a classic Bruyere finish, this beautiful pipe demands closer inspection to be fully appreciated. Dense concentrations of birdseye are well represented, especially on the right flank, illuminated by the dark ruby stain. Stamped with "LBS" to denote the slimmer version of their Large Billiard, this piece boasts more muscular proportions and a stouter stem than the classic Billiard shape normally invokes. A proud, two-inch-tall bowl stands upright, anchored by a firm heel that transitions cleanly to a stout shank, before stretching toward the neatly tapered stem.

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.