Dunhill - Pipe - Briar

Vintage Dunhill Estate Pipe – Shell Briar, Shape 251, Group 3, Made in England

A classic vintage Dunhill estate pipe, expertly crafted in England and stamped “251 Dunhill Shell Made in England 3S” — a hallmark of authentic Dunhill craftsmanship and heritage.

This pipe features Dunhill’s renowned Shell Briar finish, the iconic sandblasted surface developed to enhance durability while revealing the briar’s natural texture and grain. The Shell finish has been prized by collectors since its introduction in the early 20th century and remains one of Dunhill’s most celebrated finishes.

Understanding the stamp:

251: The Dunhill shape code, identifying this pipe as a straight Billiard form, one of the brand’s most classic and popular designs.

Shell: Indicates the traditional sandblasted Shell Briar finish, created using Dunhill’s proprietary oil-treatment and blasting process.

Made in England: Confirms English manufacture for export markets.

3S: Signifies Group 3 size (medium bowl) and the Shell finish in Dunhill’s size/finish coding system.

Key Features:

Maker: Dunhill

Origin: Made in England

Shape: 251 Straight Billiard

Finish: Shell Briar (sandblasted)

Size: Group 3 (medium)

Condition: Estate condition (carefully preserved)

A timeless English pipe combining Dunhill’s legendary engineering with a classic billiard silhouette and richly textured Shell finish. Highly desirable for collectors and pipe smokers alike, this piece offers both refined smoking performance and enduring collectible value.