Dunhill: Ruby Bark (4102F) (2021) (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

A wonderfully regal and classic bent Billiard, this "02" from Dunhill is a Group 4 rendition, with the rather plump bowl boasting a deep chamber and stout, insulating walls. The curving heel extends into the gently arcing shank and stem, resulting in a sweeping, seamless silhouette that suits this pipe perfectly. Accented with a sterling silver hand and dressed in the English marque's Ruby Bark finish, this Billiard is a handsome design, and it accommodates a 9mm filter for those who appreciate filtered pipes.

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.