Dunhill: Shell Briar with Silver (6204) (2018) Tobacco Pipe

The "6" stamp designates the bowl size; the "2" denotes a saddle stem; and the "04" represents the shape. All those numbers combine to offer this classic straight Bulldog from Dunhill. There's plenty of chamber within in the taller, softly ridgelined bowl, and the diamond shank out back increases the piece's muscular appeal. It benefits further from a trim band of sterling silver, adding sleekness against the design's robust shaping and contrasting handsomely against the Shell Briar's dark sandblast.

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.