Dunhill: Shell Briar (5103) (2019) Tobacco Pipe

An oval-shanked rendition of The White Spot's iconic "03" Billiard, this pipe is a slight departure from the archetype, the trim proportions of the shank and stem lending more visual prominence to the bowl. Typically, Dunhill fashions such an iteration in its smaller Group sizes, but this example boasts a hearty, Group 5 proportions — the tall bowl lent even further focus. It offers a generous amount of chamber, and the increased size also allows for great appreciation of the Shell Briar's sandblasted finish.

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.