I think of this as a dollar-for-dollar (or choose your preferred currency) in terms of value. Dunhills are beautiful pipes, but at their price, not so impressive. So for sheer value for dollar, I think the French have most other nations beat, though Italy comes a very close second. If Chacom and BC were in more limited production, to make their scarcity credible, and were marketed at three times the prices, I think they would have steady, even ardent sales. Other French brands as well -- Genod, Villiard, and so on. Then Denmark and Ireland, for good pipes at attainable prices. Also the U.S. with Dr. Grabow (our last great briar pipe factory), Missouri Meerscham and Old Dominion cobs. I think the artisan market is more global -- wonderful smoking pipes, as well as striking works of art that are pipes, are available at somewhat similar prices; their value is more subjective, so I'd say the "best money can buy" analysis is subjective in hand made pipes.
Remember, the French were the first to make briar pipes a commercial success and universal best material, and most shapes originated in France, certainly most of what we think of as English shapes, and France also has its own particular culture and distinction in design.
