Dunhill: Shell Briar (2113) (2016) Tobacco Pipe

In smaller Group sizes, Dunhill's "13" bent Apple takes on an Author-like persona, the shank and transition becoming comparatively more muscular in relation to the bowl's squat, rotund form. It offers more generous bend, though, than the traditional Author, promoting a more comfortable clench. This particular Group 2 offering is quite compact of overall length, making it all the more worthy of hands free smoking — and also easily stowed in a pocket for easy portability. Plus, the stummel's dark stain and crisp sandblast, courtesy of the Shell Briar line, offers the perfect blend of refinement and ruggedness.

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.