Dunhill: Shell Briar (3103) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

This is a particularly unique iteration of Dunhill's "03" straight Billiard. The general shape and proportions are well in line with the English marque's conventions; however, this one features a "beehive" pattern along the upper bowl, resulting in a rounded, coiled texture. It's an aesthetic seen occasionally on Quaints in Dunhill's early days, and while the pattern itself is one the more unconventional side, the finish is anything but — displaying the iconic texture of the Shell Briar.

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.