Dunhill 2007 Bruyere 3103 Smooth Silver Spigot 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.

Though it was not the first company to adorn its pipes precious metals, Dunhill established itself in the 20th century as a manufacturer of some of the finest briars on the market, including premium, silver-mounted pieces. These pipes were, naturally, less common than Dunhill’s other wares, but those who were able to get their hands on a silver-mounted Dunhill could trust that each pipe would not only be beautiful, but expertly fitted, with Dunhill relying on Britain’s premier silversmiths for that work (which, for many decades, included the famous Leslie Wood).

While silver collars and army mounts are one thing, however, if you were looking for the zenith of luxury in a smoking instrument, it’s hard to go wrong with a silver spigot mount. These pipes are certainly not commonplace in Dunhill’s output, and when one does appear, it tends to be snapped up rather quickly. This one takes the form of a classic billiard, with a bowl lined with flame grain that shines through even its reserved, deep burgundy Bruyere finish. Even without the spigot fitment, it would have been a very beautiful pipe, though that may well have been the reason why it was adorned with such lofty accoutrements.

The condition is excellent. Perhaps some minor wear to the rim, but the pipe does not seem to have been smoked much.

Details: 

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.48″ / 37.59mm

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g