English Estates: Dunhill Shell Briar (120) (F/T) (4) (S) (1970) Tobacco Pipe

Made in 1970, this vintage "120" bent Billiard by Dunhill possesses a sweeping profile, and its sinuous features are accentuated by slender shaping. The towering bowl possesses trim walls that supplely taper to the taut rim, adding a splash of curvature to the tubular form. Out back, the pronounced S-curve of the shank-and-stem arrangement makes this piece an exceptionally comfortable jaw-hanger while keeping the composition proportionally balanced. Additionally, this bent Billiard is rendered in Group 4 size and is dressed in Dunhill's iconic Shell Briar Sandblast, revealing plenty of handsome grain.

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.