Dunhill 1978 Root Briar 61034 Smooth Brandy 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.

Dunhill’s group six pipes, identified by the first digit of their shape code, are the largest pipes in Dunhill’s standard production (i.e., non-OD series, certain Quaint shapes, or special edition pieces). That said, they are much rarer than any other size group as far as production goes. Dunhill is a very traditional make, whose pipes are made in much the same traditional proportions as was the style a century ago, when the first Dunhill pipes were being manufactured. While not quite large enough to be a magnum by Dunhill’s standards, at seven inches in length, this 1978 Root Briar is essentially a magnum-sized pipe.
Speaking of the 1970s, if you’re familiar with Dunhill’s modern, four-digit shape code system you might be wondering why this 61034 is labeled as a “brandy” and not a billiard. After all, a 6103 today would simply be a very large (6) rendition of Dunhill’s classic, taper stem (1) billiard (03). The reason is that, for a short period between the mid-1970s and early 1980s, Dunhill had five-digit shape codes, rather than today’s four-digit system. This extra digit left room for variations when it came to bowl design, which could be subtle, or quite substantial, as seen here. Calling to mind similarly wide-bowled, strong-jawed shapes from 20th century pipe history, such as the Sasieni Moreton, or even the Castelllo 55, this is certainly not your average Dunhill—making it all the more appealing for those who savor rarity and distinction.

The condition is very good. Some minor inner rim charring and handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.95 / 24.13mm

Bowl Depth: 1.58″ / 40.13mm

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g