England, 1946-67
A very interesting and very rare example from the first “dunhill” period, i.e. 1946-1967. While Dunhill Root Briar was the highest serial grade, in this case the finish is rather a hint on a natural structure of a briar root. Unlike the main stream of Hardcastle’s pipes processed at these times by a sandblast, this pipe was carved (rusticated) and then buffed for the most expressive finish. The similar approach was applied very successfully in due time by GBD carvers.
The pipe markings are “HARDCASTLE’S \ BRIAR ROOT”, “MADE IN LONDON \ ENGLAND”. The length is 13.6 cm (5.35″), bowl’s height is 4.5 cm (1.77″). External diameter of the bowl is 3.6 cm (1.42″), internal diameter is 1.7 cm (0.67″). The depth is 3.6 cm (1.42″) and this pipe weights 30 gr. Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter. The chamber has been protected with a break-in coat.
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