1964 Dunhill Tanshell 120 FT, 4T Sandblasted Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, 6mm [SOLD OUT]

Description

To veteran pipe smokers, Dunhill needs no introduction. Beginning in 1907, Alfred Dunhill began selling Dunhill pipes at the tobacconist shop he owned on London’s Duke Street. Very quickly, these pipes gained the reputation of being the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of pipes due to how expertly crafted they were. Today, Dunhill is likely Britain’s most famous pipe manufacturer, and continues to produce some of the most treasured pipes a smoker can buy.

Dunhill’s Tanshell line is one of the most sought after in the renowned make’s catalog, especially earlier iterations such as this one from 1964. Introduced in 1953, it features a sandblast finish much like the previously introduced Shell Briar line. Unlike the Shell Briar, however, the Tanshell underwent a secret process during production that bestowed its eponymous tan coloring; Tanshells during the 1950s and ’60s were also made from Sardinian briar, rather than the Algerian briar used for Dunhill’s other pipes. Over time, the virgin finish of the Tanshell colors to a sandy red hue, as this one has.

The condition is excellent, quite remarkable in fact. The blast is still crisp, as is the nomenclature, and aside from some very minor rim darkening and a small tooth indentation on the button, it is quite mint. One thing I should point out is that I do wonder whether the stem on this one has been modified to accept 6mm filters, as I don’t know exactly when Dunhill first began manufacturing 6mm filter pipes. It is possible that the previous owner made this adjustment, though if so, it must have been done through a professional, as the drilling is spot on. If you are a Dunhill fan who likes to use 6mm balsa or charcoal filters, this might be the perfect pipe for you. It can be smoked just as well without one, though.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″

Bowl Width: 20.7mm

Bowl Depth: 1.9″

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g