Dunhill: Snake Pipe Shell Briar with Silver and Rubies (4103) (2016) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's Snake Pipe series is a special line defined by stunning silverwork. As the name suggests, said silverwork depicts a snake coiling around the bowl of this Group 4 "03" Billiard, vividly displayed in contrast against the Shell Briar's dark sandblast. Furthermore, sparkling rubies comprise the eyes of the snake on this piece, adding subtle color to the ebony-and-silver palette. Apart from the striking use of silver and gem stones, the shape here remains traditional and indicative of Dunhill's esteemed style; it's a highly collectible piece from The White Spot, completed by a presentation box, and this example is one of only five Shell Briar-finished pieces produced for this more recent run of the Snake series.

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.