Dunhill 1980 Shell Briar 41781 Sandblasted Zulu 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 period between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s was one of a number of changes for the Dunhill company, with a similar number of changes occurring regarding the make’s output. Several new lines were introduced, and other lines underwent transformations to suit the preferences of pipe smokers at the time, and a wholly new, five-digit shape code system was introduced. In 1984, this system was simplified further, inaugurating the four-digit codes Dunhill still uses today. What’s the difference? According to Dunhill, the fifth digit, which was later dropped, indicated the style of the bowl. This meant that the “same” basic Dunhill shape could in fact be quite different if that last digit was different. This 41781, for example, looks like a curious, oval shank pot. If we compare it to the 41782, however, we realize that it is in fact a Zulu with a squat bowl instead of the usual, taller, narrower one. Naturally, this five-digit system can be confusing, and I understand why Dunhill retired it. On the other hand, it did allow for some very distinct designs, such as this rare specimen, most of which are now all but lost to time.

The condition is good. Rim darkening and some slight finish fading.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.19″ / 30.22mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g