2023 Dunhill for John Aylesbury 50th Anniversary 23/50, Unsmoked, 9mm

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.

All Dunhill pipes are special, but some are a little more special than others. This particular Dunhill is an example of the latter. It was made as part of a limited edition series of just 50 pipes, as part of a celebration of John Aylesbury’s 50th anniversary—or as the Germans say, 50-jähriges Jubiläum. That’s because John Aylesbury is one of Germany’s premier tobacconists, and as such contracts premier pipe-makers from around the world to play a role in its milestones. While Peterson, Hans “Former” Nielsen, and Les Wood have produced pipes for previous celebrations, it was Dunhill that got the job for the John Aylesbury’s golden jubilee, providing a classic billiard in the Shell Briar finish, along with a few extra touches like a beveled, smooth rim and a sterling silver collar. Judging by this one, I’d presume that Dunhill also reserved Ring Grain grade stummels for the pipes, too. On a side note, John Aylesbury’s 50th anniversary was in 2024, but Dunhill manufactured the anniversary pipes the year before (as is common practice), hence the 2023 date code.

This special Dunhill is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It also comes with its original presentation case, sleeve, and certificate. As the pipe was made for a German tobacconist, it is chambered for 9mm filters as standard, but will accommodate an adapter of some variety if its owner prefers.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.77 / 19.55mm

Bowl Depth: 1.4″ / 35.56mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g