Dunhill 1973 Root Briar 401 Smooth Small Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

A general principle with pipes—as is the case with any other artifact—is that, the older they are, the lesser the probability that they will remain unused. Even pipes that were never smoked by the original purchaser will, as the pipe changes hands over the years, likely end up being filled and enjoyed with someone’s favorite blend. Dunhill pipes are no exception and, as Dunhill is such a towering figure in the industry, unsmoked pieces from decades past are highly sought after. This particular Dunhill, now over 50 years old, has never seen a flame and, as it is over 50 years old, is technically a discontinued model. Dunhill introduced the first iteration of its modern, standardized shape system in the late 1970s, retiring many of its older shapes, including its numerous billiard variations. As this is a group 1 shape 401, the closest analog on the market today would be a 1103—close, but not a perfect match.

As stated, this pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It also comes with its original box and sleeve.
The only thing that requires mentioning is that the pipe’s tenon has been replaced. This replacement was undertaken by Rich Messineo of Briarville, Dunhill’s own authorized repairman in the US. Nevertheless, the price has been adjusted to reflect this aftermarket modification.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.71 / 18.03mm

Bowl Depth: 1.18″ / 29.97mm

Weight: 0.6oz / 18g