Dunhill: Root Briar Rhodesian with Silver (DR**) (2023) Tobacco Pipe

Despite the lack of a shape number stamp, this bent Rhodesian clearly draws inspiration from Dunhill's "08" shape, the marque's archetypal bent Rhodesian. In keeping with tradition, the bowl's waistline displays two carved beadlines that sit just below the walls' swift taper to a flat rim. The curvaceous heel leads to a thick shank and stem combination, the shank itself lifting to meet a sleek, smartly curved saddle stem of black vulcanite at a junction marked with a broad band of silver. This classic pipe shape highlights stunning grain throughout the stummel, all revealed beneath the light stain of the Root Briar finish: its display impressive enough to have earned it the two-star Dead Root Grade.

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.