English Estates: Dunhill Bruyere (51201) (1979) Tobacco Pipe

Dated 1979, this "20" Cherrywood from Dunhill possesses the form's characteristic flat, slanted heel, which enables the piece to sit sturdily without the aid of a stand. Resting upon its heel, the cylindrical bowl leans subtly forward, lending it a touch of ebbing momentum. The shank extends from near the bowl's midsection at a slight upwards angle before giving way to the tapered mouthpiece's downward arc. In Group 5 size, this piece's proportions are sizeable yet handy, and the bowl houses a decent bit of chamber capacity. It's dressed in the fetching Bruyere finish that highlights the grain in a rich ruby color.

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.