Dunhill 1976 Shell 0513 Sandblasted 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. This Dunhill Shell Briar showcases that texturing marvelously, and is one of the craggier renditions I’ve seen from 1970s makes. The shape is a good, sturdy billiard, not entirely unlike Dunhill’s renowned LBS (large billiard slender) shape, that had, by this point (if I remember correctly, been discontinued.

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

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.62″ / 41.14mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g