1967 Dunhill Bruyere 56 FT Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, 6mm, English Estates

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.

The pipes Dunhill made from the end of the 1950s to the 1960s are particularly prized among smokers. Part of this has to do with the claim that Dunhill stopped oil curing its bowls after 1968, but for others it is simply that they enjoy the look of pipes over the designs and shape charts that followed. I’d recommend reading some of the discussions on Pipedia if you’re interested in that. Personally, I do really like the 1960s Dunhill pipes, and I have a few in my rotation. The “56” is a very classic, full bent billiard, and the older, ruby red Bruyere stain is distinctive without being too colorful for a “traditional” English pipe.

The condition is great, with only a little, inner rim darkening and a couple of small scratches on that rim to show for its nearly-60 years of existence. One thing that I must point out, however, is that I think the pipe’s previous owner had it modified to accept 6mm filters, either by drilling out or by replacing the tenon. If that’s the case, then it was done by a professional, as the drilling is sound. If I’m wrong and Dunhill did offer 6mm filter pipes during the 1960s, please let me know, as that’s something I’d love to know more about.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.77 / 19.55mm

Bowl Depth: 1.57″ / 39.87mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g