Dunhill: Bruyere with Horn (3104) (2023) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill's "04" straight Bulldog comes in a few different stylistic variations, though this particular iteration showcases a rather squat, gently muscular character. The shank here is rather trim and diamond-shaped, in line with the profile's most iconic element, ebbing out of a fairly wide transition, the end fitted with a military mount rendered from genuine horn, allowing the sleek tapered stem of black vulcanite to be removed at any time for convenient cleaning. The heel is quite firm, with the bottom ridge pushing through into it, though its upward curve is subdued, expanding easily into the mid-set waistline of the bowl, its apex, and the taper to the rim, marked with dual beadlines. Dressing this piece is the deep, rich stain of the Bruyere finish, revealing handsome grain and keeping the palette timeless.

The Bruyere was Alfred Dunhill's original finish upon launching his brand of premium pipes and smoking accessories and was the only Dunhill finish from 1910 until 1917. Even after the addition of other finishes, the Bruyere maintained a high level of popularity, becoming synonymous with what is thought of, even today, as the quintessential pipe. To achieve the iconic, ruby hue and saturation, a skilled craftsman painstakingly layers particular stains in a precise manner, then meticulously polishes the pipe to a high luster. The final result is, simply put, timeless.