Dunhill: Shell Briar (2421) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

A slender, lithe offering from Dunhill, this "21" Zulu is rendered in demure, fairly rare Group 2 size, offering a pipe that is nothing if not svelte and gracile. The subtle forward cant of the bowl imbues this piece with a gentle momentum, and its easy flare is followed by a wide, elongated transition and, Prince-like shank and stem, as the combination makes an understated curve. The stunning, sleek profile is accentuated by the textured sandblast of the Shell Briar finish, keeping the palette quite reserved and handsome.

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.