Dunhill: Root Briar Poker (DR*) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's more than a century of history is showcased in nearly every piece they craft, the English marque producing some of the finest examples of Anglo-French shape chart standards in the pipe world. This particular Poker is an interesting piece from the White Spot, not being stamped with any shape code as it belongs to their vaunted Root Briar series. Despite being unstamped, the shape here is instantly reminiscent of the brand's "22" shape, with a wide transition and straight shank and stem combination, the transition's slight elevation from the heel affording it an offset look as the lower aft wall extends toward the shank slightly. The bowl here stands atop a flat heel, and it grows cylindrical walls up to a flat rim, the build of the bowl showcasing a slight slant forward for an added sense of dynamism. This piece has additionally received the Dead Root designation, its excellent display of grain earning it one star.

Dunhill's "DR" designation on certain Root Briars signifies a special class of pipes: Dead Root. Like all Root Briars, these pieces maintain flawless briar, but with especially choice grain on display. Before the Root Briar line's introduction in 1931, "DR" was stamped on Bruyere pipes that showed handsome grain, but Dunhill wanted a more grain-defining finish, leading to the creation of the Root Briar. Starting in 1979, The White Spot extended the grade further — replacing the letter grading system with stars, increasing in prestige from one to seven. A Dead Root pipe represents the best of Dunhill's standard selection, yet remains quite rare compared to the English marque's overall lineup.