Dunhill: Root Briar Bent Billiard (DR*) (2017) Tobacco Pipe

A stately, lithe rendition of the bent Billiard, this pipe from English marque Dunhill is a fantastic example of the White Spot's talent for rendering classic profiles in the Anglo-French tradition. The shank-and-stem combination here is wonderfully svelte, with the duo taking on a consistent taper to the button from a wide transition that leaves plenty of room to drape a thumb. This tapering kind of transition is not often seen within Dunhill's work and belongs to very few members of its shape chart, usually being reserved for Quaint or special pieces. This is certainly a special piece. Outside of being beautifully shaped, with a tall, curvaceous bowl rising proudly at the fore, this pipe is a member of Dunhill's Dead Root series: an extremely demanding sub-category of Root Briar pipes that showcase impeccable grain, with this pipe having been awarded one star out of a possible seven.

Dunhill's "DR" designation on certain Root Briars signifies a special class of pipes: Dead Root. Like all Root Briars, these pieces maintain flawless briar, but with especially choice grain on display. Before the Root Briar line's introduction in 1931, "DR" was stamped on Bruyere pipes that showed handsome grain, but Dunhill wanted a more grain-defining finish, leading to the creation of the Root Briar. Starting in 1979, The White Spot extended the grade further — replacing the letter grading system with stars, increasing in prestige from one to seven. A Dead Root pipe represents the best of Dunhill's standard selection, yet remains quite rare compared to the English marque's overall lineup.