The most surprising and shocking thing about this video is that it says a pipe factory in 2025 won't be able to meet demand. We already knew the rest, to a greater or lesser extent.
“The Rake” On YouTube: Recent Tour Of The Dunhill White Spot Factory in London
- Thread starter Mike N
- Start date
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I don't know who owns it but from the look of it I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up on display in the White House.
F
forciori
Guest
Some pieces are clearly symbolic, crafted to transcend mere functionality. This pipe serves as a perfect case in point.
The brand director's stated goal (Eiffel Tower pipe) was not simply to make a product, but to create a 'singular piece that embodied the ideals of elegant living, high art, and superlative craftsmanship. 'The entire project — from its six-year development to the choice of materials like 18-karat gold and hundreds of precious gems — positions it as a work of art, not just an object of utility. The final presentation, in a bespoke cabinet with rare books commissioned by Gustave Eiffel himself, solidifies its status as a cultural artifact.
One could, of course, delve into a discussion about the typical extravagance of luxury goods and frame this in terms of social class, but I believe that would miss the point entirely. This was conceived as a monument to artistry.
To conclude with another compelling example, consider the pipe Dunhill was commissioned to create for Wes Anderson's 2025 film, 'The Phoenician Scheme'.
Here, the object's purpose is even more layered. While the first example was a monument to pure artistry, this piece had a specific narrative function. Yet, it was explicitly designed to be far more than a simple prop. The months-long collaborative process, the intricate reimagining of a corn cob pipe using 18-carat gold, and the complex, 'invisible' setting of gemstones to mimic natural corn kernels all speak to a higher ambition.
The description of the piece as 'equal parts prop and objet d'art' perfectly captures this concept. Both examples, whether as a tribute to a landmark or as a functional piece of cinematic storytelling, ultimately demonstrate that some objects are created to carry meaning, narrative, and artistry far beyond their practical use.
2.5 Wes Anderson & Dunhill
3.15 About Special Series
The brand director's stated goal (Eiffel Tower pipe) was not simply to make a product, but to create a 'singular piece that embodied the ideals of elegant living, high art, and superlative craftsmanship. 'The entire project — from its six-year development to the choice of materials like 18-karat gold and hundreds of precious gems — positions it as a work of art, not just an object of utility. The final presentation, in a bespoke cabinet with rare books commissioned by Gustave Eiffel himself, solidifies its status as a cultural artifact.
One could, of course, delve into a discussion about the typical extravagance of luxury goods and frame this in terms of social class, but I believe that would miss the point entirely. This was conceived as a monument to artistry.
To conclude with another compelling example, consider the pipe Dunhill was commissioned to create for Wes Anderson's 2025 film, 'The Phoenician Scheme'.
Here, the object's purpose is even more layered. While the first example was a monument to pure artistry, this piece had a specific narrative function. Yet, it was explicitly designed to be far more than a simple prop. The months-long collaborative process, the intricate reimagining of a corn cob pipe using 18-carat gold, and the complex, 'invisible' setting of gemstones to mimic natural corn kernels all speak to a higher ambition.
The description of the piece as 'equal parts prop and objet d'art' perfectly captures this concept. Both examples, whether as a tribute to a landmark or as a functional piece of cinematic storytelling, ultimately demonstrate that some objects are created to carry meaning, narrative, and artistry far beyond their practical use.
2.5 Wes Anderson & Dunhill
3.15 About Special Series
Did he leave you any of his pipes? Or did you just get back the loaners he refused to return?
growth from a previous point, probably not reaching the values of the 50s but certainly better than 10 years ago.
Well if it's true their market is growing it comes at a time when it feels like their production is down. Many of the retailers who used to get large numbers of Dunhill's in all finishes on a regular basis are only getting a trickle. There could be several explanations for this. Perhaps more production is going to China. But my suspicion is they have two issues: the carvers are retiring and new ones hard to train. And second, the briar they need for the smooths just isn't as available as it used to be. They make up for this business-wise by raising prices.
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It's curious that they're currently experiencing production problems, and that one of the factories that was rumored to produce bowls for Dunhill for years was destroyed in a weather event last year.
He didn’t leave me any of his pipes. His health had declined in his last couple of years and he sold his collection. There was a 4 star that he had promised me, but he sold that as well. He did leave two pipes to his daughter, and she has those.
He did leave me some Dunhill bling however.
He couldn’t let go of the Charatans because he loved smoking them. I got those back after he passed away.
Yes this is the one I was looking for. Thank you!
If you don't read German load it in a Google translated browser tab.
Look closely and you'll see a tray of new Parkers. And a few of the old Charatans.
Well, since your wife won’t play with you (I don’t blame her) then I’m your huckleberry.I'm surprised. I guess there are not as many Dunhill fans out there as I thought. I expected at least some feedback and possibly even a little hostility. Maybe it's just that the Dunhill people consider me and my opinions of no matter... I know my wife does.
First, I won’t defend the Dunhill brand. No need to. They have been doing just fine without my help for over a hundred years and it is not the first time they have heard (or read) insults hurled at their company or brand.
In fact, every luxury company shares that same “sour grapes” from people since the history of luxury goods. Don’t believe me? Google “is Rolex worth the money” or substitute any luxury company. Rolls Royce, Louis Vuitton etc and you will find people saying the same thing over and over: “my Kia gets me from point A to point B just fine for a fraction of the cost” , “My timex keeps time just fine and for Pennie’s on the dollar” , “my Castello sea rock smokes just as good, no , better then that piece of crap”.
It’s all the same, yet these luxury companies continue pushing forward and commanding higher and higher prices. Weird! It’s like the mass hypnotism of these brands is somehow irresistible throughout generation after generation! Amazing.
Yes, Dunhill will continue to command high prices year after year despite, no BECAUSE of, all the sour grapes posts, YouTube videos and tic tok. Their clients know what they want and it’s not a Castello.
Speaking of Castello, I have had around 12 over the years and sold all but one that I use for fishing, hunting, camping and ricing. It’s a sea rock so my throw around pipe and the only one that has been comfortable and smoked as good as my Charatans or Dunhills. (FYI I have more older Charatans and Sasieni then Dunhills.
).The aged briar of Castello is, in my opinion, all it has going for it and many other Italian pipes do it better. But that is just an opinion. You smoke what you like. I will do the same.
In fact the sea rock finish is somewhat of a hoax, if you ask me. You take briar that’s been sitting on a shelf for 10 years that is pitted and holds zero grain, rip it apart with a sharp tool and sell it as something special? Now THAT’S marketing.
I could go on and on but I don’t think it’s necessary (though I will if you ask me nicely).
There, how did I do? Give you what you were looking for?
Papamique
While I disagree with your views on Castello pipes, I do agree with your view that “luxury” brands will always have their price-point critics. I watched a YouTube video the other night where the guy went on and on criticizing Cohiba, Behike, Montecristo and Partagas Cuban cigars. But the world cigar market and hundreds of thousands of cigar aficionados who can buy Cuban cigars beg to differ.Well, since your wife won’t play with you (I don’t blame her) then I’m your huckleberry.
First, I won’t defend the Dunhill brand. No need to. They have been doing just fine without my help for over a hundred years and it is not the first time they have heard (or read) insults hurled at their company or brand.
In fact, every luxury company shares that same “sour grapes” from people since the history of luxury goods. Don’t believe me? Google “is Rolex worth the money” or substitute any luxury company. Rolls Royce, Louis Vuitton etc and you will find people saying the same thing over and over: “my Kia gets me from point A to point B just fine for a fraction of the cost” , “My timex keeps time just fine and for Pennie’s on the dollar” , “my Castello sea rock smokes just as good, no , better then that piece of crap”.
It’s all the same, yet these luxury companies continue pushing forward and commanding higher and higher prices. Weird! It’s like the mass hypnotism of these brands is somehow irresistible throughout generation after generation! Amazing.
Yes, Dunhill will continue to command high prices year after year despite, no BECAUSE of, all the sour grapes posts, YouTube videos and tic tok. Their clients know what they want and it’s not a Castello.
Speaking of Castello, I have had around 12 over the years and sold all but one that I use for fishing, hunting, camping and ricing. It’s a sea rock so my throw around pipe and the only one that has been comfortable and smoked as good as my Charatans or Dunhills. (FYI I have more older Charatans and Sasieni then Dunhills.
The aged briar of Castello is, in my opinion, all it has going for it and many other Italian pipes do it better. But that is just an opinion. You smoke what you like. I will do the same.
In fact the sea rock finish is somewhat of a hoax, if you ask me. You take briar that’s been sitting on a shelf for 10 years that is pitted and holds zero grain, rip it apart with a sharp tool and sell it as something special? Now THAT’S marketing.
I could go on and on but I don’t think it’s necessary (though I will if you ask me nicely).
There, how did I do? Give you what you were looking for?
Papamique
By the way, care to name the Italian makers who “do it better” than Castello? The only one that comes close is Cavicchi. But they are still far behind, and I own several of Cavicchi’s best pipes.
Also, please name one large bowl capacity Dunhill that even competes with a Castello apple.
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Although I agree with the luxury product debate, it's important to keep in mind that luxury products benefit from the Sunk Cost Fallacy. Once we spend a larger amount of money on a product, we have more interest in convincing ourselves that it's a good buy.
Not really applicable to me and good pipes. The Sunk-Cost Fallacy is premised upon one’s failure to accept that abandonment of a strategy would somehow be ”beneficial,” and totally ignores the myriad of reasons for brand loyalty in the first place.
That said, during the dot-com boom, I did hold on to my Sun Microsytems stock while it continued to tank, so I get your point, generally speaking.
Which factories do you know of that allegedly produce or produced bowls for Dunhill? I have heard that Barontini produces bowls for Dunhill and Stanwell did so as well when Stanwell was still making pipes.
Since I wasn't there, I prefer to leave it as hearsay. Although I heard it from people I respect in the European pipe world. If you look at my posts, you'll see I posted about the destruction of that factory. Given that that factory was also a briar sawmill, it makes me doubt that Dunhill does any briar curing in London, and rather that its operations in recent decades have been based on buying ready-made briar and making pipes in London, as well as finishing bowls made in various factories in continental Europe.
Well this is all subjective so I am not sure what you mean by Cavicchi is still far behind? Care to elaborate on that?
Large bowl capacity means absolutely nothing in my world. I prefer a smaller balanced pipe I can clench all day though I do have a large HT collector from Dunhill that is much larger capacity wise then my all of my Castello pipes (the ones I had and the one I kept) and hangs perfectly from my jaw.
I had a Hungarian shaped Castello with beautiful Birdseye all around that was maybe a group 3 in Dunhill size so I’m not sure what you are asking here either.
Now, now, you can’t respond to a straightforward question with a question. You first. Just tell us the Italian makers that “do it better” than Castello? Your statement deserves a few examples.
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Were you referring to the Bruken factory in Spain? So interesting if that's the case. It has been alleged for years that Bruken turns bowls for Peterson amongst other brands but I would not be surprised if Dunhill acquires bowls from them as well. I imagine that models are created for these factories so that bowls can be fraized .Perhaps they are mortised and the draft holes are drilled as well? I wonder, if in fact, Dunhill uses bowls from Barontini, Bruken or others, is the briar used aged at the factory for some period of time to achieve an "ideal" dryness before being turned or are the bowls aged before being sent to Dunhill? Or is Dunhill getting the same briar used for less expensive pipes produced at these factories, aged for the same amount of time, just better grained or more free of flaws?