Dunhill: Ring Grain (4208) (2023) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's "08" shape code defines two different shapes depending on the rendition, both a bent Bulldog and a Rhodesian, with this particular piece being the latter. A sinuous and handsome pipe, this iteration of the classic shape is a timeless one, staying true to Dunhill's archetypal Anglo-French shaping style. Presented in balanced Group 4 size, this briar yet retains a defined muscularity thanks to its robust bowl and gracefully curved shank and saddle stem. Said pairing lifts out of a wide transition and curls into a comfortable arc that makes smoking easy and enjoyable, their dynamic posture lending the composition a charming character. The bowl here stands atop a firm heel and flares into a high-set waist marked with a firm ridgeline, this waist additionally marking an easy taper to the flat rim. Dressed in the crisp sandblast of Dunhill's iconic Shell Briar series, this pipe boasts grain good enough to have acquired the Ring Grain grade.

Having earned the English marque's prestigious Ring Grain designation, this Dunhill piece wears a particularly choice iteration of the Shell Briar sandblast — displaying stunning waves of ring grain across the stummel. 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.