1958 Dunhill Shell ODA 837 Sandblasted Bulldog 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.

This particular Dunhill belongs to the rare, “OD” series which, in the case of post-war iterations like this one, was for pipes that were either distinct in shape or size from Dunhill’s standard offerings. This 837 is, by Dunhill’s standards, a “semi-giant,” which Dunhill enthusiasts will likely recognize as being an up-scaled variation on the shape 48 bulldog. The sandblasting is especially craggy, as 1950s Shell Briars tended to be, giving the pipe an almost rusticated appearance.

The condition is good for its age. There’s definitely some rim darkening and a little finish fading, but I’d nonetheless say it’s held up well.

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.64″ / 41.65mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g