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

This lightweight Dublin from Dunhill pays homage to the shape-chart standard and is a great piece for fans of tradition and timeless silhouettes. While it is not stamped as such, those familiar with Dunhill will see similarities between this pipe and the "07" shape, especially in the shank-and-stem combination, but the bowl is different, as it lacks the requisite forward cant of the "07." The eye is immediately drawn to the midsection of this pipe, where an accent of silver wraps the junction, adding a pop of shine to the design. This particular piece has additionally been given the Dead Root designation, its excellent display of grain earning it three stars.

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.