Recently Gifted a Set of Dunhills. I Was Hoping for Some History and Info

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AmtPav

Lurker
Dec 16, 2019
39
82
EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title - Bob

Hello everyone. I'm brand new here. I posted these in the new member introduction forum and was directed here. A little back story, my grandfather passed a few months ago and I was given a few of his possesions. Of which was a set of dunhill pipes that belonged to his dad (my great grandfather). I would really like to know everything I can about these. I have no intentions of selling them, I just want to preserve a family heirloom. I never knew my great grandfather personally but he had a really cool life and story that I would like to help tell to my kids some day. Thank you and I look forward to your responses.
 

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pitchfork

Lifer
May 25, 2012
4,030
605
I'm not a Dunhill expert, but those look incredible. DR's are one of the rare and sought-after grades of smooth pipes. Meanwhile, the texture of the sandblasted pipe (the "Shell") is spectacular.
 
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jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
24,570
27,078
Carmel Valley, CA
Sorry the above LINK with no explanation. I thought those pipes could use more exposure if you'll pardon the pun. So I rewrote my tips to post here:


For users of smartphones or small cameras:

Have the light come mostly from behind the camera. Indirect natural lighting is best. Not direct sunlight nor flash, if it can be avoided.

Reduce the contrast between the pipe and its background. Specifically, don't photograph a dark pipe on a white background, nor a white or light pipe on a dark background. [The reason is many cameras on auto exposure average out the light, so dark pipes get underexposed, and light ones on dark backgrounds get under exposed.]

Some smartphones allow you to choose the focal point and it will also set—to some degree— the exposure to that area. On an iPhone, you touch the screen where you want the focus, and it'll be indicated by a box around the area where the reading is taking place.

For experienced photographers none of the above need be said as there are countless ways to make adjustments.
 
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AmtPav

Lurker
Dec 16, 2019
39
82
Sorry the above LINK with no explanation. I thought those pipes could use more exposure if you'll pardon the pun. So I rewrote my tips to post here:


For users of smartphones or small cameras:

Have the light come mostly from behind the camera. Indirect natural lighting is best. Not direct sunlight nor flash, if it can be avoided.

Reduce the contrast between the pipe and its background. Specifically, don't photograph a dark pipe on a white background, nor a white or light pipe on a dark background. [The reason is many cameras on auto exposure average out the light, so dark pipes get underexposed, and light ones on dark backgrounds get under exposed.]

Some smartphones allow you to choose the focal point and it will also set—to some degree— the exposure to that area. On an iPhone, you touch the screen where you want the focus, and it'll be indicated by a box around the area where the reading is taking place.

For experienced photographers none of the above need be said as there are countless ways to make adjustments.
I will try to take a few more photos today. Anything I missed in the first set that is needed to properly identify them?
 
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briarbuck

Lifer
Nov 24, 2015
2,287
5,492
I will try to take a few more photos today. Anything I missed in the first set that is needed to properly identify them?
Nah some new pics you're good. Cannot wait for some of our resident Dunhill experts to chime in. Always educational.
 
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paulfg

Lifer
Feb 21, 2016
1,568
2,933
Corfu Greece
I am no expert but looking at the dead root patent number suggests
On one side of the shank its stamped "Dunhill London", On the other side: "Inner Tube" Pat. No. 5861/12 5. This patent was used between 1913 and 1926

from Dunhill - Pipedia - https://pipedia.org/wiki/Dunhill#Dunhill_Patents_-_Archives

paging the duke st irregulars

great pipes by the way,get the restored and smoke them whilst remembering your father and great grandfather
 

AmtPav

Lurker
Dec 16, 2019
39
82
I am no expert but looking at the dead root patent number suggests
On one side of the shank its stamped "Dunhill London", On the other side: "Inner Tube" Pat. No. 5861/12 5. This patent was used between 1913 and 1926

from Dunhill - Pipedia - https://pipedia.org/wiki/Dunhill#Dunhill_Patents_-_Archives

paging the duke st irregulars

great pipes by the way,get the restored and smoke them whilst remembering your father and great grandfather
Thank you for the info. You mentioned getting them restored. Can you explain that process and what all is involved and is it recommended to do so?
 

AmtPav

Lurker
Dec 16, 2019
39
82
Beautiful set of pipes! All three date to 1923.
Thank you for the info! I found out from another family member that these belonged to my great-great grandfather not my great grandfather and he passed in August of 1931. I cant be 100% sure of this but it is pretty safe to assume these pipes have not been used since
 

dmcmtk

Lifer
Aug 23, 2013
3,672
1,685
They do look in excellent condition. The pipes marked DR (Dead Root) are the highest grade.

"The Dead Root idea was conceived at the end of the 1920s and then realized in the early 1930 years. The Dead-Root brought a stronger grain feature to the already well established "Bruyère" (from 1932 on it received the same finish). The D.R. models are perfect. Made with the best Briar available and that is – compulsorily – "Straight Grain". They are rare models of considerable value, which vary according to the graduation of the grain."

The dating above is not correct, as your pipes show. For more on that see,

https://pipedia.org/images/0/00/DunhillbyLoring.pdf

For some good reference see the different sections of the Dunhill article at pipedia,

Dunhill - Pipedia - https://pipedia.org/wiki/Dunhill#Dead_Root
 

AmtPav

Lurker
Dec 16, 2019
39
82
Nah some new pics you're good. Cannot wait for some of our resident Dunhill experts to chime in. Always educational.
I'm not much of a photographer but I hope the lighting is a bit better
 

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