While still displaying the squat, low-set demeanor of Dunhill's classic "17" Bulldog shape, this Group 5 rendition presents an even wider disposition, filling the palm with its Saucer-like waistline. Unlike smaller group-sized iterations, when seen in larger dimensions, the shape often trades its conventional beadlines for a softer ridgeline to demarcate the rim's taper, as evidenced by this example. By contrast, though, the shank is more slender along with the trim military mount stem configuration, accentuating the bowl's robust presence.

The Shell Briar's addition to the Dunhill catalog was a pivotal moment in pipe-smoking history. Before 1917, pipes with sandblasted finishes had never been made, and Alfred Dunhill's innovative mind created arguably the most popular finish for pipes today when he unveiled the Shell Briar. With its dark, reserved color palette and delightful texture, it's no surprise that it's still wildly popular over a century later.