Dunhill Shell 57 Army Mount Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, 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.

While the question of “who did it first?” remains contentious, Dunhill was undoubtedly one of the pioneers of sandblasting, securing the first patent for such finishes in 1918. And while many pipe smokers extol the virtues of perfect straight grain, there are just as many who adore the crisp and rich textures of a sandblasted bowl, instead expressing in relief the briar’s natural grain patterns. Though the sterling silver army mounted shape 57 billiard is notoriously difficult to date, owing to its frequent lack a date code, it is a fair assumption that this is a mid-century make. As a last note, this Dunhill has a twin bore stem. It isn’t the first time I’ve seen this, and I have heard this referred to as a “Two Way” system that was briefly offered by Dunhill long ago, so my thinking is that it’s original.

The condition is fair. The pipe has been extensively smoked, and perhaps a little hot over the years, resulting in a darkening of the rim and some of the finish, the chamber is sound and the pipe remains in perfect working order. I’ve adjusted the price in any case, so that it will be one of the most affordable Dunhills on the market.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.77 / 19.55mm

Bowl Depth: 1.41″ / 35.81mm

Weight: 1.0oz / 30g