Dunhill » Dunhill: 835

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Dunhill 1960 Shell ODA 835 Billiard

The classic post-War ODA was a hand-turned pipe, like its pre-War counterparts. Hence even with a particular catalog shape, the quality and proportions differed among various examples. The best of the ODA's were so well proportioned that despite their very large size, they remained attractive and even elegant rather than gargantuan.

This is one of the very good ones. It is notable for the deep ring grain blast, especially on the left or "driver's side," the rich contrast between the Bruyere understain and the dark walnut overstain, and by a rather long, almost LBS-like shank together with an extra long bit. Note that this is an Algerian briar pipe, and so should prove to be an outstanding smoker--cool, dry and sweet.

There is some minor rounding of the outer rim, and the nomenclature was not well stamped, so it is a bit difficult to read, especially the shape number. But apart from such quibbles, it was lightly smoked and in outstanding condition.

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Dunhill 1961 Bruyere ODA 835

An especially fine example of this collectible shape, with old-style Bruyere color, excellent grain, and very well balanced classical lines. Appears virtually new.

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Dunhill 1973 Root ODA 835

An excellent example of this very large, well balanced billiard, an on-center crosscut with notably dense birdseye on either side of the bowl. Outstanding.

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Dunhill 1984 Cumberland ODA Billiard

In the '80's, apparently guided by the accoutants and marketing wizzes that had taken over the management of the pipe division, Dunhill did away with the old shape names and number, substituting number designations. Hence this pipe, which is is really an ODA 835 by any other name, the largest of the standard billiard shapes. But during the same period, Dunhill also introduced one of its most attractive post-War finishes, the Cumberland. It was, in effect, a "tanshell" sandblast with a polished rim, and fitted with an old-style variegated vulcanite bit in the style of the Root finish of the 1930's. The combination of colors is particularly attractive. And when Dunhill inexplicably discontinued this finish in the '90's, it was met with howls of protest from their customers, and ultimately reintroduced.

So despite its corporate turmoil at the time, Dunhill managed to make an excellent pipe. It is well balanced, has a deep, craggy blast with rich old-style Tanshell color, and fine handcut bit. It is arguably as good an ODA 835 as Dunhill ever made, even though it is stamped as a 6103. It is lightly smoked and in superb condition. Certainly worth careful consideration in this man's opinion.