Dunhill: Shell Briar with Silver (4120) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

A cousin to their "22" Poker design, Dunhill's "20" Cherrywood is a practical and handsome pipe that sits sturdily on a flattened heel and is seldom seen in Group 4 size. The Cherrywood is, in essence, a bent Poker, presenting with the same cylindrical bowl and trim, straight shank of the latter shape, though with a curved stem that lends it a touch of poised elegance. The Cherrywood additionally showcases a touch of forward cant thanks to its slanted heel, and this particular iteration comes to us with an inflated rim, adding a bit of extra softness to this solidly designed silhouette. Dressing the stummel here is the White Spot's iconic Shell Briar sandblast, pairing an inky stain to the crisp texture of the briar, with contrast offered by a trim ring of silver at the junction.

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.