English Estates: Dunhill Shell Briar with Silver (3102) (1992) Tobacco Pipe

When looking at this "3102" from Dunhill, the eye is drawn from the flared fishtail bit down the swift curve of the stem and toward the flashy silver army mount at the junction. From there, the eye continues its journey, taking in the crisply sandblasted stummel which has been dressed in the marque's signature Shell Briar finish. Said finish imbues this classic bent Billiard with an air that is both distinguished and rustic. With its bent stem and modest proportions, this offering is quite well-suited for jaw hanging.

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.