Dunhill: Root Briar Bent Dublin with Silver (DR*) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

Devoid of shape stamp and Group number because of its Dead Root designation, this bent Dublin from Dunhill falls in line with the English marque's "14" design on their shape chart, offered here on par with Group 4 size. The form is steeped in tradition — the stem and shank gradually flaring into the arced transition and flaring bowl for a graceful, artfully executed profile. Dressed in a stunning natural stain and accented by a gleaming sterling silver band, the briar will darken handsomely as it's smoked, and it's paired, like all White Spot pipes, to a hand-cut, vulcanite stem.

Dunhill's "DR" designation on certain Root Briars signifies a special class of pipes: Dead Root. Like all Root Briars, these pieces maintain flawless briar, but with especially choice grain on display. Before the Root Briar line's introduction in 1931, "DR" was stamped on Bruyere pipes that showed handsome grain, but Dunhill wanted a more grain-defining finish, leading to the creation of the Root Briar. Starting in 1979, The White Spot extended the grade further — replacing the letter grading system with stars, increasing in prestige from one to seven. A Dead Root pipe represents the best of Dunhill's standard selection, yet remains quite rare compared to the English marque's overall lineup.