Dunhill 1968 Root Briar 314 Smooth Prince 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 it survived until the mid-century, the 314 was an old shape within Dunhill’s portfolio. One can find it, for example, in catalogs going back to the 1920s, though its status as an eminently traditional design is quite clear just from looking at it and holding it in one’s hands. It is slight, slender, elegant and—perhaps above all—exceedingly lightweight. It is an excellent “coffee break” pipe, but would also be perfectly suited for gatherings, such as evening drinks, or even black tie affairs. This one is a beautiful example of a Root Briar 314, with excellent, swirling flame grain. The stamping is a little faded, so I’m not sure if this is a 1958 or 1968 make, though either would fall within the timeframe of Dunhill’s golden, post-patent decade.

The condition is good. Some rim charring and some fading of the nomenclature, as mentioned, though it is mostly legible.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.77 / 19.55mm

Bowl Depth: 1.07″ / 27.17mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 26g