Dunhill: Shell Briar with Silver (3210) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

In Dunhill's shape chart, the "10" can designate either a Liverpool or a Bing's Favorite style Billiard, with this particular pipe falling into the latter category. Most commonly we see this shape paired to a tapered stem, though this piece is married to a sleek, lengthy, saddle stem that does a great job of slenderizing the aft section of its silhouette. The shank is slightly extended as well, and a classic Billiard bowl sits atop its fore, canting forward just a touch as it rests on a rounded heel. This bowl additionally takes on a gentle forward cant and soft taper to the smooth, ruby-stained, chamfered rim, adding a touch of dynamism to the profile. Part of a special series from Dunhill, this piece pairs the inky sandblast of the Shell Briar sandblast to a cumberland mouthpiece and a textured silver band at the junction, with the ruby rim matching the stem quite well.

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.