Dunhill: Ring Grain with Silver (4108F) (2022) (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

A hearty, muscular Bulldog from Dunhill, this "08" boasts a broad, stout-walled bowl that's paired to an upturned diamond shank and a demurely curved tapered mouthpiece. As is typical for the form, a ridgeline wraps around the bowl and demarcates the tapered rim from the rest of the stummel. The diamond shank provides a touch of structure to the composition and reinforces the shape's brawny build. An extra-crisp rendition of the Shell Briar sandblast earned this piece the prestigious Ring Grain designation, which is reserved for pipes with exceptionally choice ring grain. A rather unique offering, this piece pairs the dark, shadowy hues of the Shell Briar sandblast to a cumberland mouthpiece for a rather unique presentation. For additional flair, the shank end is accented with a band of silver, its bright, flashy tones instantly capturing the eye.

Dunhill's Ruby Bark finish is one that's gone through a fairly extensive evolution since its inception in 1972. It began as the Redbark and has always remained a red-stained sandblast, but the color was brightened a few years after its introduction before Dunhill returned to the original, darker hue in 1976. Eventually, though, the Redbark was discontinued in 1987. After a hiatus of several decades, the same ruby-stained sandblast was reimagined in the form of today's Ruby Bark finish, adding to the rich aesthetic crisp accents of sterling silver for a colorful presentation that still retains a high level of formality.