Dunhill: Ruby Bark (6203) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

A massive pipe from Dunhill, this "03" Billiard is presented in Group 6 size, giving a classic shape hand-filling heft. The vast chamber is encircled by a significantly tapered, smooth rim, which contrasts with the rugged sandblast coating the rest of the stummel. The proportionally thick shank runs to a vulcanite saddle stem that ends at substantial bit built for a comfortable clench. The dark Ruby Bark finish here additionally features a bright respite in the form of a glimmering metallic band.

Dunhill's Ruby Bark finish is one that's gone through a fairly extensive evolution since its inception in 1972. It began as the Redbark and has always remained a red-stained sandblast, but the color was brightened a few years after its introduction before Dunhill returned to the original, darker hue in 1976. Eventually, though, the Redbark was discontinued in 1987. After a hiatus of several decades, the same ruby-stained sandblast was reimagined in the form of today's Ruby Bark finish, adding to the rich aesthetic crisp accents of sterling silver for a colorful presentation that still retains a high level of formality.