Dunhill: Ring Grain (4145) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's "45" shape is fondly known as the "Don," a particular Poker variation that boasts plenty of charming appeal. The subtly forward-canted bowl is cylindrical and a bit more stocky, given its Group 4 size, with the chamber breadth of a Pot. It's a fine Sitter and in this rendition is paired to a Churchwarden push-style stem that's the epitome of long, lithe elegance. The shaping of this piece is just splendid, with further refinement seen in the handsome Shell Briar's sandblast.

Having earned the English marque's prestigious Ring Grain designation, this Dunhill piece wears a particularly choice iteration of the Shell Briar sandblast — displaying stunning waves of ring grain across the stummel. 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.