Dunhill: Shell Brair (5102) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's "02" bent Billiard is widely considered the archetypal rendition of the form, and it's an old design that has been around since the 1930s, its longevity speaking to the multi-generational appeal of the shape. This Group 5-sized rendition features the characteristics that have enticed smokers and collectors for decades, including a sweeping S-curve, a firm heel, and a poised, sturdy bowl. Diverging slightly from the typical rendition of the shape, this piece features a military mount at the shank end that's fitted with a tapered, push-style stem, both enabling the pipe to be broken down even while still hot. The stummel wear a jet-black Shell Briar sandblast that accentuates the natural grain orientation of the briar and provides a bit of tactile intrigue.

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.