Dunhill » Dunhill Shell

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Dunhill 1949 Shell "LB"

While I realize that you primarily collect smooth pipes, this wonderful old LB deserves special consideration. First, it was cut from a block of straight grained Algerian briar, which we know from the distinct ring grain that encircles the bowl (blasting removing the vertical grains, and leaving the growth rings). Moreover, that blast is notably deep, crisp and craggy in the style and color of the pre-War shells, and the shape is charmingly irregular, arising from the force of the sand, and the characteristics of the particular stummel chosen. Finally, it is in quite remarkable condition, very lovingly smoked by its former owner, and appearing much as it must have done when first displayed in the Dunhill store 58 years ago.

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Dunhill 1949 Shell LB F/T

The LB is one of Dunhill's oldest, most original and most beloved shapes; and this despite the fact that its shape and size are highly variable, with the earliest pipes having a rather cylindrical bowl with relatively straight sides, and the later pipes become almost apple-like in their rounded contours. The present example is one which could as easily have been in made twenty years earlier, so close is it to the original form. Note the angle of the rear edge of the bowl as it merges into the stout, subtly tapered shank, and how it gives the pipe the kind of intriguing assymetry that the British call "quaint," a term they use without any hint of irony or deprecation. Moreover, it's distinguished by a spectacular ring grain blast that extends all the way down the shank, further emphasized by Dunhill's special staining technique.

It has long been my contention that pipes made immediately after the War were crafted almost exactly as they had been previously, using the briar that Dunhill had originally specified for each finish (and in the case of the Shell, old Algerian), and cut and finished by craftsman who had started their apprenticeships at age 15. It is this that accounts for their quality. This pipe certainly seems to support this hypothesis.

Condition of this pipe is outstanding in all regards, including very sharp nomenclature (though stamped somewhat lightly in the middle, a not uncommon phenomenon in early pieces). The blast on the rim is a bit blurry, as one would expect in an estate shell. Moreover, it has a beautiful reproduction bit, cut from the same type of New York Hamburg vulcanite rod stock as that which Dunhill itself used. Apart from the fact that the button and lips are rather better than Dunhill's work, it's indistinguishable from the original.

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Dunhill 1963 Shell 6LB

The LB (large billiard) is one of Dunhill's most original and iconic shapes. It takes the shapes and proportions of the classic billiard, and expands them, so the pipe gives a sense of substance, dignity and quality. Here we have a somewhat rare rendering of the LB, distinguished by its comfortable saddle bit, whose somewhat angular shape lends a feeling of jauntiness and confidence as compared to its more sober elder brother. This example is distinguished by a quite remarkable blast, whose depth and precision are reminiscent of pre-War shells.

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Alfred Dunhill Shell 90 F/T "1968" Estate oF



Hersteller: Alfred Dunhill

Modellbezeichnung: Shell
90 F/T

Made in: England8
(1968)

Größe: 3

Shape: Poker

Typ: Serie

Pfeifenkopf: Bruyere

Mundstück: Kautschuk
Fish-tail
Wide-bore

Bohrung: 3,8mm

Applikation: Keine