Will Dunhill/White Spot Ever Go to Acrylic Stems

[mso489]

Many high end pipes now feature at least some acrylic stems, Castello and for example. I'm not a Dunhill/White Spot guy, but I think it would certainly be a moment in time when that famously status conscious brand goes to some stock acrylic stems. Has it happened? Will it happen? Should it happen? I think they are committed to remaining a Vulcanite brand, but I'll check now and then to see. Comments?

 

[warren]

If a demand arises, I'm sure it will happen. Alfred's kin are not in business for altruistic reasons.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Alfred's kin are not in business for altruistic reasons.

Are there any Dunhill relatives actually in the company anymore?

 

[warren]

Last I knew. I just took a look at their website and there is no mention of any family connection. So, quite possibly not. Now, can I work up sufficient interest to sleuth a bit? Doubtful.

 

[mingc]

Are there any Dunhill relatives actually in the company anymore?

By "in" you mean "work"? How demeaning. Shame on you.

 

[sablebrush52]

Are there any Dunhill relatives actually in the company anymore?

Actively running operations? Apparently not, but in the labyrinthine interconnections of ownership between the various and sundry entities that own or license the Dunhill name they have a stake in all of it.

 

[kcghost]

To answer you three questions in orders: No, maybe, maybe.

 

[brian64]

So does this mean the family didn't also change their name to White Spot?

 

[verporchting]

So does this mean the family didn't also change their name to White Spot?

At the last board meeting someone kept muttering “out, out damned spot” so maybe?

 

[Morrison Jeremiah]

The whole Dunhill reputation regarding pipe making is built around using traditional materials, so I can't really see them ever using acrylic stems.

 

[canucklehead]

By "in" you mean "work"? How demeaning. Shame on you.

Our Careers - White Spot

www.whitespot.ca

 

[leonardbill1]

I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[beefeater33]

Nope

 

[mingc]

Our Careers - White Spot

www.whitespot.ca

Oof! No so classy, huh?

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

They don't answer emails, They do produce them products routinely as it was 10 and 20 years ago and in very all probability they will be carrying on into the future with no significant changes

 

[ssjones]

After one White Spot purchase, I'm in the camp of "who cares". For me, the panache of what was once a Dunhill pipe is gone forever.

 

[captpat]

I agree with Al, my three older Dunhills are fine pipes the more recently acquired White Spot is so-so at best. If the periodic updates from Al Pascia are a guide they seem to be selling a fair amount of pipes, who knew?

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

While I like both vulcanite and acrylic, I suspect those that enjoy holding a pipe the former is a better choice.

I am curious if over the years pipe users have evolved toward holding the pipe in the hand between puffs?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

It could very well be that if they switched to acrylic, that would be the death knell for a company that relies on it's reputation from before they could no longer just call themselves "Dunhill." Any abrupt changes, especially in materials, would pull it further from its roots and make it into a modern poser. As long as they don't change shapes, materials, or do anything drastic, they can ride their laurels for this new generation of pipe smokers who are willing to pay that price for a factory made, thinking they are getting something for a connection to history. FWIW

 

[ssjones]

I agree with Al, my three older Dunhills are fine pipes the more recently acquired White Spot is so-so at best. If the periodic updates from Al Pascia are a guide they seem to be selling a fair amount of pipes, who knew?

Perhaps the European market is more forgiving of the brand direction?