Dunhill: Shell Briar with Silver (3202) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

The "02" bent Billiard is one of Dunhill's most iconic, historic, and timeless shapes on the English marque's standard pipe chart. This particular 2022 pipe is part of a limited edition line, pairing dark Shell Briar finishes with cumberland stems rather than being topped by the typical jet-black vulcanite mouthpieces. Additionally, all the pieces in this special release are accented with bright silver bands for further tasteful elegance.

Shape-wise, this "02" is a Group 3, the full-bodied bowl topped by a smooth beveled rim that both softens the form and assists in the loading of favored tobacco blends. The sinuous S-curve in back is informed by the downturned mouthpiece, which promotes a comfortable clenching posture, if desired.

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 mostly dark palette and delightful texture, it's no surprise that it's still wildly popular over a century later.