Dunhill: Root Briar Bent Dublin with Horn (DR***) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

This extremely rare offering from Dunhill is one that will surely interest collectors. A tall bent Dublin, this piece features a bowl that rests on a jutting heel, at the fore of an abbreviated shank, fitted with a horn mount and bent vulcanite stem. The shaping falls outside of Dunhill's standard chart to better suit the exceptional briar on display. Having earned the coveted Dead Root stamp, this pipe has also been ennobled by three stars, reserved for stummels among the very finest to leave the English marque's workshop.

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.