Dunhill: Shell Briar with Silver (4103) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

After obtaining several vulcanite rods in a number of brindled hues, Dunhill elected to produce a limited-edition, highly collectible line marked by non-traditional, colorful brindled stems, as in this "03" straight Billiard. Classically rendered in Group 4 size, the tall, poised bowl is set to an arrow-straight shank-and-stem arrangement, the proportions well balanced and classic in style. This Sitter is especially noteworthy for its handsome accents, including a bright, ornately designed silver band along the shank end. The atypical yellow and grey colors of the vulcanite stem represent a departure from Dunhill's more reserved palettes and serves as a pleasant contrast to the dark, more traditional stain of its 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.