Dunhill Shell Briar – 1960s

About the pipe

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This Dunhill Shell Briar from the 1960s is a classic example of English pipe-making—well-balanced in the hand, built for a cool smoke, and finished in Dunhill’s signature sandblasted “Shell” texture. Over decades of use, the pipe developed the kind of wear we often see in well-loved estate pipes: a thick carbon cake in the chamber, darkening and buildup in the shank and draft, and visible stem oxidation that dulled the original finish.

The rim showed signs of heat wear and tar buildup, and the stem fit had loosened slightly from repeated handling and cleaning over the years. Despite these issues, the pipe’s underlying structure and stamping remained strong—making it an excellent candidate for a full restoration focused on bringing it back to smoke-ready condition while preserving its original character.

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Restoration work performed

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Our restoration process is designed to be thorough but respectful—removing damage and buildup while protecting original shaping, texture, and markings.

1) Inspection & Documentation

We began with a full inspection of the bowl, rim, shank, stem, and tenon fit. Any structural concerns (heat fractures, rim charring, loose mortise/tenon fit, or airway blockage) are identified at this stage. The pipe was also photographed and documented before work began.

2) Chamber Reaming & Bowl Prep

The chamber was carefully reamed in controlled stages to remove the heavy cake without gouging the briar. This helps prevent cracking and restores the chamber to a safe, even thickness. After reaming, the chamber walls were inspected to confirm integrity and consistency.

3) Deep Internal Cleaning (Shank & Draft Channel)

Next, the internals were deep-cleaned using pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, and professional-grade cleaning solutions to remove years of tars and residue from the shank and draft channel. This step is critical for improving airflow, eliminating sour odors, and restoring the pipe’s smoking performance.

4) Rim Cleaning & Surface Detailing

The rim was cleaned to remove lava buildup and restore definition. Where needed, we carefully addressed heat wear without altering the pipe’s original lines. For sandblasted finishes like Shell Briar, surface work is done gently to preserve texture and avoid flattening the blast.

5) Stem Oxidation Removal & Restoration

The vulcanite stem was treated to lift oxidation and restore a deep, clean finish. The airway was cleaned thoroughly, then the surface was refined and polished. If tooth marks or chatter are present, they are corrected carefully to retain the stem’s original profile and comfort.

6) Fit & Function Check (Tenon/Mortise)

We corrected the stem fit to ensure a snug, clean connection without stress on the shank. This also improves the overall feel of the pipe and ensures reliable alignment during use.

7) Final Polishing & Protective Finish

The briar was finished with a careful polish and a protective wax coat to bring back depth and contrast in the sandblast. The stem was polished to a smooth, glossy finish. We then performed a final inspection to confirm the pipe is clean, stable, and smoke-ready.

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Result

The pipe was restored to a clean, functional, and smoke-ready condition—while preserving its original Dunhill character, texture, and stamping.

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Client Testimonial

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"Absolutely stunning work. The pipe came back looking beautiful and smoking clean. The attention to detail was beyond what I expected."

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