Dunhill Tanshell Quick Question

[oldguyoldpipes]

Just received a Dunhill Tanshell about which I had a quick question:
The pipe is stamped as such:

3109
DUNHILL TANSHELL (over)
MADE IN ENGLAND 26 (small numbers with underline)

I do not see a size number/circle or finish type or any other stampings.

I was thinking it dates to a 1976? I was looking at pipepedia and saw that they reference a 1976 Tanshell as having an underlined 16 and in 1978 the shape numbers all changed to 5 digits so I ruled out 1986.

Don't have the ability right now to attach pictures.

Thoughts and or confirmation?

Thanks

 

[lightmybriar]

It’s a 1986 and all the stamping checks out just fine! A Group 3 Canadian Shape.

 

[oldguyoldpipes]

It’s a 1986 and all the stamping checks out just fine! A Group 3 Canadian Shape.

Thank You. That seems to me what it should be based on the year code of 26 (underlined). The only thing I am not understanding is the part on the dating key that says the shape numbers changed to 5-digits after 1978 and this pipe has a 4-digit shape number of 3109. I have attached two dating guides I am sure most are familiar with. One has a flow chart indicating 1986 and the other is a typed description that indicates a 1986 pipe should have a 5-digit shape code. That is why I am confused. Unless I have missed something?

 

[ssjones]

Unfortunately, it's not an exact science. This article on Reborn, which quotes an RC Hamlin post, that describes the 5-digit code pipes. The only constant it seems was the two-digit date code stamp.

Dunhill Five digit shape codes – rebornpipes

Posts about Dunhill Five digit shape codes written by rebornpipes

rebornpipes.com

 

[lightmybriar]

They didn’t quite “change” to five digits. They began using five digit codes then, but not across the board. That’s the key to understanding this. I’ve owned several Dunhills of all finishes from that era with four digit codes. ??

 

[oldguyoldpipes]

They didn’t quite “change” to five digits. They began using five digit codes then, but not across the board. That’s the key to understanding this. I’ve owned several Dunhills of all finishes from that era with four digit codes. ??

Thank You. That makes more sense now. It was very reasonably priced and it is my first Dunhill Canadian. Needs a little Love as it has some excess cake buildup and a kind of darking mid-way down the exterior.