Dunhill: Shell Briar (3105) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

This "05" Dublin from Dunhill is a fascinating rendition of the shape-chart standard. The bowl's characteristic flare is present, but instead of terminating at a broad, flat rim, the bowl expands into a Rhodesian-like dome, which tapers gently into the tobacco chamber. Said rim is emphasized by a subtle ridgeline that wraps around the top of the bowl and adds a touch of structural definition to the form. Dressed in the Shell Briar sandblast, this Group 3-sized piece displays some lively grain about the bowl and offers plenty of tactile purchase for the fingers.

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.