Description
Dunhill Pipe
Rough, sandblasted finishes
- The bowls have had the soft wood on the surface sandblasted off. Any weak bowls shatter under this process. The survivors are remarkably tough and light. The shell briar is usually a little thinner-walled than its smooth counterpart and may need a little more care in building up the carbon layer.
Shell Briar
- Black sandblast, deep relief grain, only suitable for certain grains. “Shell briar” was the first sandblasted finish created by Dunhill in 1917. Over the years the availability of fine briar changed the depth of the sandblasting. The current pipes have the deep sandblasted finish which has proved the most popular. To accommodate the stamping on a sandblasted pipe it is necessary to smooth and level the base of the stem. A benefit of this (possibly originally unintended) is that most sandblasted pipes, even the bents, can stand on their own. Irrespective of shape, size or finish, all Dunhill pipes are of one quality only – the finest.
Why Dunhill:
- The durability and cool sweet smoking of the Alfred Dunhill pipe with its “White Spot” trademark are universally acclaimed. Made from the finest quality briar, the “Dunhill” represents more than 90 separate processes over a period of several months. While there are checks and quality controls every step of the way, the final inspection before each pipe is released onto the market is made by only one person. An indication of the scarcity of fine briar to meet the standards demanded of a Dunhill “White Spot” pipe. These standards ensure that each pipe will smoke perfectly from the start and, with proper care, will never lose its original sweetness. The flawless briars are perfect – no fills, no flaws, no pits; only 5 out of every 100 ebauchons entering the factory leave as a Dunhill. The mouthpiece of every Dunhill pipe is hand-cut from a solid rod of “Vulcanite” – the Dunhill name for a rubber compound which, although tough, is easy on the teeth and does not flavour/taint the smoke. In colour it may be Black, or Cumberland (marbled brown). The Dunhill “White Spot” was the first pipe to carry a guarantee. That little white spot is still a symbol of perfection and style, and the guarantee still holds. Dunhill pipes have an exceptionally long life and are in great demand as refurbished “estate” pipes. They are highly regarded as “Collectibles”.
