Dunhill 1955 Shell Briar K Sandblasted Apple 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.

The “K” was one of Dunhill’s early “Quaint” shapes, i.e., shapes not in regular production, but which were made only when a block of briar showed especial potential for becoming something a little different. It’s a little more squat and stout than, say, the mid-century, 115 and has a longer shank than, say, the 256. Just from looking at this 1955 rendition, it is understandable why such a deviation from the normal shape chart was taken. The squatness and plumpness of the bowl does an especially good job of emphasizing the sheer depth of the blast applied, giving way to that craggy, tactile composure that early Dunhills are beloved for by collectors and English-inspired artisans alike.

The condition is fair. Rim darkening and some general finish fading.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.73 / 18.54mm

Bowl Depth: 1.40″ / 35.56mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 32g