Dunhill » Dunhill: 6103

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Dunhill 1985 Bruyere Straight Grain Billiard Shape 6103

For a period of time during the mid 1980's, Dunhill ceased selling extra large pipes marked ODA. They continued to make the ODA shapes, but labeled them with the same four digit shape numbers as were applied to the "normal" catalogue shapes, but typically beginning with a "6" to designate them as Group 6. Even the beloved "LB" became known as the 5103, indicating that it was a Group 5, shape 103. The present pipe is not, in fact, one of the traditional ODA shapes; rather it is an enlarged version of the LB, as can be see clearly from its shape and proportions. But what makes this pipe so unusual is that it is cut from an astonishing block of straight grained briar, yet is not marked as a DR. Indeed, when I received it, the pipe had been stained with a thick layer of muddy red, so that the grain was scarcely visible. I carefully stripped off the excess color, and adjusted the tint to resemble the pre-War Bruyeres, which were a rich reddish brown, rather than the candy apple color of the later pipes. In the process, the excellence of the grain was revealed.

It is hard to understand why a craftsman would have concealed so remarkable a piece of wood. But many strange things occurred within the company during the period, as they began to deemphasize their tobacco lines in favor of watches, perfumes and high priced clothing. But that takes away nothing from the present pipe, which is beautifully cut and executed in the best Dunhill tradition. It is in superb condition in all regards; and had it been properly graded as a DRG or DRH, would undoubtedly have been absurdly expensive. But as it is, I believe that it represents a remarkable value.