Dunhill: Shell Briar Quaint Rhodesian (3) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

As part of the Quaint series, this Rhodesian doesn't fall into Dunhill's standard shape chart. Though the Rhodesian is a classic design, this particular rendition doesn't align with the English marque's defined shape numbers. It's reminiscent of Dunhill's vintage "KC" design, only with a broader bowl, a firmer encircling ridgeline, and a stronger degree of taper lent to the rim. The transition is seamless on this piece, leading directly into the arrow-straight shank-and-stem combination, with the hand-cut Cumberland stem tapering gradually to the lip button. This piece is dressed in the marque's signature Shell Briar sandblast, offering a dark, inky palette that reveals handsome grain throughout the stummel.

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.