Pipes

An old Dunhill catalogue shows the Dublin as shape 42 in Gp 3 and 142 in Gp 4. Slightly taller bowl from the usual Dublin shape. The Red Bark was a sandblasted pipe stained a rich crimson colour – which develops a smoky patina after some smoking. Red Bark finish was first introduced in 1972/3 but discontinued in 1987 only manufactured for about 15 years. So a fine example like this is a real Collector’s piece. Look again at the sandblasting. It’s very shallow which indicates the predominance of hard wood. Some softer wood shows the typical hills and valleys of a sandblasted pipe. Hardly smoked, excellent condition. Original mouthpiece. Dating: 1971-1975 double digit suffix - 12 after D in England indicates the pipe is from 1972. But Red Bark was only introduced in 1973, though a few sources do say 1972/3 Interesting. Weight 28g Inside bowl diameter 20mm Inside bowl depth 41mm On the Internet, unsmoked Group 3 Red Bark is on offer for EUR600. Post script – about 20 years later the finish was re-introduced as Ruby Bark, glowing ruby coloured sandblasted pipe highlighted with Hallmarked Silver (0.925) bands.

The Tanshell finish was introduced in 1952. The sandblasting has been smoothed with years of use, in places almost completely smooth. But the condition of the bowl is excellent, just slight wear on the rim. The original mouthpiece was damaged near the bite, and has been repaired. Tested, pipe cleaner runs through smoothly. Just in case, a replacement mouthpiece is included. Some pictures are with original mouthpiece, one with the fine quality replacement mouthpiece fitted. Note: Between 1962 and 1968 Algerian briar was not available, and sandblasted pipes were made from slightly harder Greek briar using a double blast technique. Dating: This pipe is stamped with a circled 4 and T (Tanshell) but is larger than the Group 4 pipes we see today. Date of manufacture 1968 as shown by the digit 8 after, and the same size as, the D in England. Current price of refurbished Tanshell LB with original mouthpiece R6000.00 Weight 53g Inside bowl diameter 22mm Inside bowl depth 44mm