Dunhill: Shell Briar (6117) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

While still displaying the squat, low-set demeanor of Dunhill's classic "17" Bulldog shape, this Group 6 rendition presents an even wider disposition, filling the palm with its Saucer-like waistline. When seen in Group 6, the shape often trades its conventional beadlines for softer ridge to demarcate the rim's taper, but this version maintains those indents for a crisp aesthetic. Such a bold, large version of the "17" is decidedly more rare, making this piece a find for collectors, all dressed in the Shell Briar 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.