Dunhill 1967 Shell Briar Sandblasted Panel 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.

Debuting in the 1920s, the “EK” was one of Dunhill’s “Quaint” shapes—i.e., shapes not in standard production, but made specifically when a block of briar was seen to be especially suited toward one shape or another. The shape itself was likely not Dunhill’s invention, but was, rather, a rendition of what is sometimes called a “foursquare,” or simply a “panel billiard.” It is a shape distinguished by its singularly geometric appearance, with an eight-sided bowl (the four at the front, rear, left, and right sides being the broadest and most prominent) and four-sided shank, which has the additional advantage of making it a sturdy sitter. This one comes from 1967, at the tail end of a decade remembered fondly by Dunhill enthusiasts. This is not least due to the oil curing that Shell Briars underwent during this period, giving them the kinds of delightfully craggy relief finishes seen on this one.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and finish fading.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.48″ / 37.59mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 32g