Compared to the "103" tapered-stem Billiard, Dunhill's "203" version is a bit less common, making this Group 5 example a welcome site for those who appreciate saddle stems as well as bold, hearty pipes. Such substance is well utilized in this example: The comparatively more slender saddle stem emphasizing the bowl's proportions even more, and the large size making the most of the Shell Briar's alluring, sandblasted texture.

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.