Dunhill: Root Briar Dublin with Silver (DR*) (2022) Tobacco Pipe

Devoid of shape stamp and Group number because of its Dead Root designation, this Dublin from Dunhill falls in line with the English marque's "05" design on their shape chart, offered here on par with Group 5 size. The form is steeped in tradition — the stem and shank arrow straight and streamlined, and the bowl flaring upward for a stoic and archetypal profile. Dressed in a rich, auburn stain, the briar is showcased in a stunning display of grain, and it's accented with a trim band of silver.

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.