Dunhill: Shell Briar Quaint Bent Dublin with Silver (4) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's Quaint series denotes pipes that fall outside of the English marque's shape chart, either as modified versions of existing shapes, or completely new ones. This bent Dublin is very similar to the White Spot's "14" shape, though it differs in its relative sinuousness, being a bit more reserved in its aft-side curvature while still offering a comfortable smoking posture. In addition, the shank and stem both boast a more slender outline than the "14," making for a pipe that exudes an agile grace while supporting the stature of the bowl well. A rounded heel supports the bowl as it grows thick walls that flare out to the rim, these walls surrounding a capacious chamber that promises leisurely smoking. Dressed in the crisp sandblast of the Shell Briar finish, the stummel is rich with texture throughout and showcases handsome grain, the dark stain contrasted by a band of silver at the junction.

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.