Dunhill 1977 Shell Briar 615 Sandblasted Dublin 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 one, from 1977, takes the form of Dunhill’s midcentury “615,” a rather large Dublin in contrast to the make’s usual house style, though one that also remains nicely lightweight, as Dunhill pipes tend to be.

The condition is fair. Some finish fading, handling marks, and chamber slightly over-reamed.

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.94 / 23.87mm

Bowl Depth: 1.59″ / 40.38mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g