Dunhill: Shell Briar Quaint Bent Billiard (4) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

This bent Billiard is a member of Dunhill's Quaint series, which focuses on freehand-shaped pipes that stray from the English firm's traditional shape chart. However, this bent Billiard closely resembles Dunhill's "02," with one defining difference: the underside has been flattened. This stylistic choice alters the sinuous profile, adding some rigid definition, and makes this pipe a stable Sitter. Rendered in Group 4 size, the bowl feels robust in hand, and the shank-and-stem arrangement possesses an elongated, willowy profile. Additionally, this piece features Dunhill's iconic Shell Briar finish, revealing handsome grain and rich texture to appreciate.

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.