English Estates: Dunhill Tanshell with Silver (51033) (1978) Tobacco Pipe

Dated to 1978, this "03" Billiard from Dunhill is presented in Group 5 size, Dunhill's second-largest standard size designation. The bowl stands with an upright posture, with straight walls traveling from the heel to the rim. A round shank transitions from the bowl, featuring a trim silver accent band for a touch of style, and meets a tapering stem of black vulcanite. Additionally, the stummel's underside is flattened, allowing this pipe to sit confidently on level surfaces. Dunhill's Tanshell finish dresses the stummel, offering this piece a warm, earthy complexion.

Created in 1951, the Tanshell marked Dunhill's fourth finish behind the Bruyere (1910), Shell Briar (1917), and Root Briar (1931); however, Dunhill didn't complete the "Tanshell" stamp until December 1951, waiting until 1952 to actually introduce the first Tanshell pipes. Considered one of the English marque's rarest, most collectible finishes, the Tanshell boasts a concise sandblast but unlike the dark-stained Shell Briar, the Tanshell is naturally stained, intended to develop a warm patina as it darkens with prolonged use over time.