Dunhill 1964 Shell Briar 252 Sandblasted Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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.

Dunhill’s Shell Briar holds a special place in the history of pipes, having been the first patented sandblast pipe finish, registered in 1917. In the over 100 years since, the Shell Briar has remained remarkably consistent. While other Dunhill lines have come and gone, or been modified to suit contemporary tastes, the Shell Briar and its deep, dark brown-burgundy stain has persisted, thanks in no small part to its loyal following.

This particular Shell Briar comes from 1964, during something of a golden era for Dunhill pipes, not least due to the careful, region specific briar selection and oil curing that went into the construction of each Dunhill pipe. As one expects from Dunhills during made during that time, the sandblasting is nicely rich and craggy, and though the shape is one of a slightly large billiard, it’s not at all heavy, reflecting the quality of the materials used to make it.

The condition is good. Some inner rim charring, minor finish fading, and stem slightly over-buffed at the base.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.61″ / 40.89mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g