Birth year Dunhills?

[Sig]

Ive had a dozen or do Dunhills over the years. I currently have one 1971 Shell which happens to be my birth year.
The rest were bought for resale because, in MY opinion, they are worth more money than their smoking quality to ME.
They are absolutely no better than most older(pre 1970) factory pipes....in my opinion.
I much prefer Comoy, GBD, Bsrling, Sassini.....
They are of equal quality but hundreds of dollars less expensive.
My one and only Dunhill I currently have is an ok smoker, nothing special.

 

[lupy1234]

1974...50 on the 17th. Just bought and received from Iwan Ries.

 

[OzPiper]

1974...50 on the 17rh. Just bought and received from Iwan Reis.

Nice one. Hope that gives you lots & lots of happy smokes

Happy 50th

 

[milk]

How do I tell if the stem is original or a replacement. I’m sure proper fit and even white dot could be replicated.

I have two patent Dunhills and a ‘66 shell. @georged is the expert (there are several George’s here. But I think I’m correct). He taught me to look for two things: the opening on the button and the connection between the tenon and the stem. He has a thread somewhere with pictures but the slot hole on the button (sorry if my terminology is wrong) should be opened and the bit not pointy in shape. Compare it to factory pipes that have a shorter more machine made slot in its aesthetic. The connection between the tenon and stem should have a straight right angle from the tenon to the stem.

 

[/Adam\]

I’ve actually been looking around for estate pipes from my birth year. But haven’t had much luck. Are Dunhill pipes a good buy from any Year? Or are there years or spans of years that Dunhill suffered quality issues? I’d love to own a Dunhill from 1976. But I think I recall reading something about Dunhill and that certain era’s of Dunhill might not be as top quality as others. Do any of you veteran pipe savants know? I’d be very grateful for any info regarding this topic.

 

[milk]

I’ve actually been looking around for estate pipes from my birth year. But haven’t had much luck. Are Dunhill pipes a good buy from any Year? Or are there years or spans of years that Dunhill suffered quality issues? I’d love to own a Dunhill from 1976. But I think I recall reading something about Dunhill and that certain era’s of Dunhill might not be as top quality as others. Do any of you veteran pipe savants know? I’d be very grateful for any info regarding this topic.

What I hear from others is that quality control took a dive in the 70s and recovered at some point in the mid to late 80s. Someone can correct me.

 

[/Adam\]

What I hear from others is that quality control took a dive in the 70s and recovered at some point in the mid to late 80s. Someone can correct me.

I think this is what I remember reading too. Looks like a birth year Dunhill is probably not a good investment for me.

 

[OzPiper]

I think this is what I remember reading too. Looks like a birth year Dunhill is probably not a good investment for me.

Perhaps one should view a birth year pipe as commemoration of one’s birth rather than as an “investment”.
I’m sure our parents didn’t view our impending arrival into this world as “investments”

 

[/Adam\]

Perhaps one should view a birth year pipe as commemoration of one’s birth rather than as an “investment”.
I’m sure our parents didn’t view our impending arrival into this world as “investments”

Fair enough. And while I do agree, I’m still at odds about this idea. I probably could have worded my message better too and said a birth year Dunhill for me will probably yield a less than desirable specimen.

 

[OzPiper]

Fair enough. And while I do agree, I’m still at odds about this idea. I probably could have worded my message better too and said a birth year Dunhill for me will probably yield a less than desirable specimen.

A pipe could have all the right “credentials” - well-sourced briar, well- respected maker, look a million bucks. And still be a dud.

I have pipes that are seconds that smoke every bit as good as firsts from the same makers.

I have been a wine drinker since the late 1960s.
There have been bottles from “poor” vintages or unknown makers that astound.

I shouldn’t let the “poor years” put you off looking for a birth year Dunhill. Just look for one without an inflated price tag.

Or look for a birth year pipe from another maker eg Peterson
Or a silver hallmarked British marque.

 

[Choatecav]

1974...50 on the 17th. Just bought and received from Iwan Ries.

Congratulations on the beautiful pipe and Happy Birthday.

 

[tbradsim1]

My birth year and war year 1943, sorry about the molding picture, big fingers

 

[Grangerous]

What I hear from others is that quality control took a dive in the 70s and recovered at some point in the mid to late 80s. Someone can correct me.

That’s not necessarily true. Originally it was 1962, then 1964 then 1968 was the cutoff. Dunhill has always produced a high quality product but, as others have opined; it’s a pipe. Nothing mystical.

Circa 1970, Dunhill decided that the Shell Briars should now be “shiny black” so gone was the recognizable red/black and enter a new era of deep Blue/Black staining.. characteristic of modern Shells.

Also due the the war, Dunhill in the late 60’s early 70’s couldn’t source Algerian Briar and began using Briar from Greece. While it did yield a different finish, less craggy, it likely mattered little to the quality.

These changes at this period in history have led some to believe that the best pipes were produced prior. I say that’s nonsense.

Fact is: There are poor smoking examples and there are great smoking examples found among samples of both eras.

Dunhill can be relied upon as one of the higher quality manufacturers of pipes that exist among many equally enjoyable pipes across countless manufacturers.

 

[Grangerous]

Dunhill is to Pipedom as Rolex is to Watches… a quality product which enjoys the most recognizable brand.

There are better pipes than Dunhill and better watches than Rolex.

Yet, when one wishes to celebrate a milestone, they’re likely to buy a Rolex with an eye toward its quality and passing it on as an heirloom.

Not everyone smokes a pipe…

In our circles, a Birth Year Dunhill, aided by the fact that these pipes are easily dated, leads many to acquire their Birth Year example from this storied brand.

Not a thing wrong with that….

A special to you pipe to pull out on Christmas Eve or to quietly celebrate “ponder,” yet another trip around the sun.

Don’t look upon it as an investment in capital. Look upon it as an investment of personal enjoyment.

 

[ssjones]

Dunhill is to Pipedom as Rolex is to Watches… a quality product which enjoys the most recognizable brand.

There are batter pipes than Dunhill and better watches than Rolex.

Yet, when one wishes to celebrate a milestone, they’re likely to buy a Rolex with an eye toward its quality and passing it on as an heirloom.

Not everyone smokes a pipe…

In our circles, a Birth Year Dunhill, aided by the fact that these pipes are easily dated, leads many to acquire their Birth Year example from this storied brand.

Not a thing wrong with that.

A pipe to pull out on Christmas Eve or to quietly celebrate yet another trip around the son.

Don’t look upon it as an investment in capital. Look upon it as an investment of personal enjoyment.

That is an excellent summation.
Dunhills don't always smoke great and the draw is typical British snug (so avoid if you prefer a manhole size drilling). But when they work, they can be magic.

 

[BingBong]

That is an excellent summation.
Dunhills don't always smoke great and the draw is typical British snug (so avoid if you prefer a manhole size drilling). But when they work, they can be magic.

Hah, the one I bought last week has an indecipherable date code (I now think 1960 though) and the draw is very open. Takes a pipe cleaner right to the bottom of the chamber, conveniently.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I’m on the fence about investing in one, as I’d be leery to pay the price only to find it may not be an excellent smoker…
As @ssjones and @Grangerous pointed out, the only real hook for me (as many others) is the easy dating, and I’m not sure that’s enough for me to justify the expense.

 

[Grangerous]

People who don’t smoke pipes recognize the name, Dunhill.

People who don’t own Swiss Watches recognize the name Rolex.

That is the result of brilliant marketing strategies by the founders of each.

While this is true…

It is also true that these products would not have stood the test of time… if there wasn’t an insistence upon quality.

Whether or not to pay the price that accompanies a brand’s successful recognition is a very personal one and has been covered quite thoroughly.

 

[Choatecav]

People who don’t smoke pipes recognize the name, Dunhill.
View attachment 341827
People who don’t own Swiss Watches recognize the name Rolex.

That is the result of brilliant marketing strategies by the founders of each.

While this is true…

It is also true that these products would not have stood the test of time… if there wasn’t an insistence upon quality.

Whether or not to pay the price that accompanies a brand’s successful recognition is a very personal one and has been covered quite thoroughly.

Well, since this saga began on this thread, I deem it only appropriate that I share with the members, a wonderful story......

Early on the thread, I posted that I have been looking for my Birth year Dunhill, from 1956, for years, but just didn't find what I was looking for. Shortly after the post, our own @Grangerous, posted a photo of a 1956 that he owned and smoked on special occasions.

I sent Jim (oops, I've revealed his "secret identity") a private message inquiring if he might be willing to sell it. Without getting too verbose and wordy, he kindly said that he understood the desire to own a birth year dunny, as he has been trying to find one that he liked of his own year, and that he would sell it. The price was very, very fair and the deal was made.

It arrived yesterday and is just beautiful. It is a group 4 Shell with a forward cant and an oval stem. As I told Jim, "it is in much better shape at 68 years of age, than I am, ha." Not only did he send me the pipe, in a box and a bag and wrapped like the Holy Grail, but he generously sent me three baggies of tobaccos that he favors in his personal rotation AND some pipe cleaners! I mean, who does that type of thing???

Anyway, while he doesn't know that I'm gonna post this, it needs to be said that there are still very good and decent people out there and this forum has an ample number as members.

***Oh, and get this.... over the past few days, while working this out, he stumbles onto his own birth year Dunhill that fits all of his criteria. Now, is that karma or what..........

Thanks again, Jim, for everything, and I plan on giving it it's first smoke later today after I feed the horses.

 

[/Adam\]

Well, since this saga began on this thread, I deem it only appropriate that I share with the members, a wonderful story......

Early on the thread, I posted that I have been looking for my Birth year Dunhill, from 1956, for years, but just didn't find what I was looking for. Shortly after the post, our own @Grangerous, posted a photo of a 1956 that he owned and smoked on special occasions.

I sent Jim (oops, I've revealed his "secret identity") a private message inquiring if he might be willing to sell it. Without getting too verbose and wordy, he kindly said that he understood the desire to own a birth year dunny, as he has been trying to find one that he liked of his own year, and that he would sell it. The price was very, very fair and the deal was made.

It arrived yesterday and is just beautiful. It is a group 4 Shell with a forward cant and an oval stem. As I told Jim, "it is in much better shape at 68 years of age, than I am, ha." Not only did he send me the pipe, in a box and a bag and wrapped like the Holy Grail, but he generously sent me three baggies of tobaccos that he favors in his personal rotation AND some pipe cleaners! I mean, who does that type of thing???

Anyway, while he doesn't know that I'm gonna post this, it needs to be said that there are still very good and decent people out there and this forum has an ample number as members.

***Oh, and get this.... over the past few days, while working this out, he stumbles onto his own birth year Dunhill that fits all of his criteria. Now, is that karma or what..........

Thanks again, Jim, for everything, and I plan on giving it it's first smoke later today after I feed the horses.

View attachment 341841View attachment 341844View attachment 341845

Man that is a really cool story. I do love a feel good post like this one. This almost sounds like the script and plot to one of those after school specials on TV when I was a kid. Kindness and generosity will almost always find its way back to you in spades. Good stuff gentlemen. Very good stuff!!