Italiano
Black sandblasted Dunhill Shell pipe, model 5203, a classic straight billiard with a black ebonite mouthpiece. Rating: 5. The pipe is very elegant and its deep, dark colour lends it a touch of superior class. Its distinctive feature is the two-tier bowl, typical of ‘windshield’ pipes, which serves to protect the bowl from damage when smoking in windy conditions. This model was created by Dunhill in 1904 and was the first to be patented, three years before he opened his shop in 1907. It was probably the advent of the first ‘cars’ that led Alfred to invent this ‘windscreen’ for the bowl, so that air turbulence would not cause the bowl to burn out. The original name on the patent was ‘Windshield Pipe, Dunhill Motorities’. Initially, the model was stamped only as ‘billiard’ (03), whilst today the ‘chimney’ (12) stamp is also used. Today, this model is still ideal for those who smoke a pipe on a boat or in the mountains, where there is a greater risk of the bowl being affected by the increased air circulation. A highly classy model that ranks among Dunhill’s most refined. The pipe is large in size and is distinguished by a spacious bowl that ensures excellent smokeability in any situation; it is a classic straight-stem Dunhill model that is not often produced. Its light weight makes it ideal for any smoking session, whether out for a walk or comfortably seated in an armchair. A classic that never grows old and remains timeless. The shank is slightly flattened at the base, making it very convenient as it can be set down without falling over. The Shell series was characterised by a double sandblasted finish, which produced a deeper effect, whilst today’s finish is single-sandblasted for a ‘softer’ effect. This series was introduced in 1917 and was the second finish introduced by Dunhill; it remains a hallmark of the brand to this day. I believe the pipe was produced in 1999, but the stamp is unclear. It certainly bears the old stamps, dating from before 2000.
The pipe for sale is exactly as shown in the photographs. Once sold, as it is handmade and therefore unique, the pipe will be removed from the website. The actual colour of the pipe may vary slightly from the photograph, as every monitor displays colours differently. The measurements have been taken accurately but may vary by a millimetre, either way.