Dunhill: Zodiac Pipe 2020 Cumberland (3407) (101/218) Tobacco Pipe

Every year, beginning in 2011, Dunhill has released a Zodiac Pipe in honor of the Chinese New Year, each one dedicated to a specific sign within the 12-year cycle. 2020 is the Year of the Rat, the first animal within the repeating 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac and the theme for this year's limited edition series. In commemoration, Dunhill here presents their iconic "07" Prince in Group 3 proportions, accented with a sterling silver band depicting this year's themed animal. The diminutive bowl prioritizes breadth over height and is paired to an abbreviated shank and a gracefully downturned mouthpiece.

Though stamped for 218 total pipes, the series actually consists of only 177 pieces — every number with a numeral "4" having been skipped as it's an unlucky number in Chinese numerology. This piece, serialized as number 101, also comes complete with a letter of authenticity as well as a leather carrying pouch that depicts its namesake animal on the front. It's handsomely dressed in the warm, earthy tones of the Cumberland finish, the sandblasted stummel offering a stimulating tactile experience in hand while the sterling silver band beautifully complements the elegant nature of the Prince shape.

When Alfred Dunhill released his patented Shell Briar, he forever changed the pipe smoking world at large. Dunhill has often been credited with being the first to offer sandblasted pipes (arguably the most popular finish today), and the Cumberland finish further displayed Dunhill's innovative spirit. Well received after its release in 1979, the Cumberland series was named for the English marque's warehouse on Cumberland road, and the line's signature, brindled vulcanite stem became so iconic, the warmly striated material is now referred to simply as "cumberland."