The "four square" is a very old shape, introduced by Dunhill in the early 1920's. As it evolved, Dunhill realized that it was an excellent showcase for birdseye/crosscut pipes, with the left and right panels functioning as "windows" into the grain. In this capacity, this shape is the forebear of the Danish "blowfish" shape, which likewise takes excellent advantage of briar cut across the grain. Here is a pair of such pipes, one in a shell finish and one in a Root finish. We note the elegant severity of the shape, with its rectilinear bowl and shank, and long, asymmetrically tapered bit. The first pipe is from 1954, with an deep, craggy blast that highlights the bird's-eyes on the panels, and with ring grain front and rear. The second pipe is a 1958 in a Root finish. It is a very beautiful piece, and most rare an unusual in that it was cut not from the canonical Calabrian briar normally used for the Root, but from a wonderful piece of sweet-smoking Algerian briar, the same as was used for the shell. The grain is quite astonishing, and appears three dimensional under its light wax finish. Both pipes are in superb condition. If purchased individually, the Shell is $275, and the Root $350.
#1 von
Arno
, 20.01.2010 18:59
