Dunhill: Shell Briar (4134) (2020) Tobacco Pipe

In Group 4 size, this Brandy personifies the elegant, genteel shape of its namesake. The voluptuous bowl sits upright at the front of the pipe, tapering from rim to base in a cascading fluidity that eases gracefully into the transition. The oval shank nicely balances the stature of the bowl with sleek, understated lines that offset the bowl's more rotund disposition. The jet-black vulcanite stem compliments the Shell Briar sandblast, giving the piece a subdued, shadowy profile. Stoic in design and presentation, this pipe is perfect for those who love a well-done traditional shape.

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.