Dunhill: Shell Briar Quaint Bent Billiard (5) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

A proud Group 5 sized bent Billiard from Dunhill, this rendition is part of the English marque's Quaint series, pipes that depart from shape-standards to offer a bespoke presentation. The bowl here is a classic Billiard, tall with a well rounded heel, but the shank is diamond in cross section like a Bulldog, and leads to a similarly shaped, elongated stem of jet black vulcanite. A sleek aesthetic overall, with the grain handsomely accentuated by the iconic Shell Briar finish.

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.