1960 Dunhill Shell 475 FT 4S Cherrywood Sitter Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates [SOLD]

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.

As far as I know (and please do correct me if I’m wrong), Dunhill’s “475” cherrywood was one of the few 1960s shapes the make made that were partially, rather than fully, sandblasted. By this I refer to the pipe’s smooth polished, rounded rim, along with its base, which contrasts with the sandblasted finish on the remainder of the stummel. This particular 475 has some fantastic, deep ring grain to its blast, which offsets the smooth sections even more. The blast actually reminds me more of the patent-era Dunhills, though that’s understandable given that this one was made only shortly after that era ended.

The condition is very good. The rim has some darkening on its inner lip, as well as one or two dark spots from the occasional absent-minded slip of the previous owner’s lighter.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.28″ / 32.51mm

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g