Dunhill: Shell Briar Quaint Bent Pot with Bamboo (3) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's Quaint line comprises pipes that do not fit within the storied English marque's standard pipe chart, but instead are unique one-off designs such as this swooping bent Pot. Rendered as a Group 3, this pipe trades length for mass, pairing a trim, squat bowl to a high-kicking double-knuckle stretch of pale bamboo. A stubby, hand-cut vulcanite saddle stem tops off the design with a quick downturn, making me think this pipe is destined for some lively jaw-hanging. The bamboo's light hue is contrasted by the jet-black stem and the dark Shell Briar finish, altogether creating a striking presentation.

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.