Dunhill with bamboo

March 2005

The use of bamboo as a pipe stem has been known for centuries, although this material has rarely been used in the briar pipe. From 1860 on hard rubber is the standaard and bamboo hits the background. However, a special effect can be achieved with a piece of bamboo wood, so that even the most exclusive pipe brands could give their pipes an unexpected appearance. This is reflected in this sand-blasted Dunhill, where the bamboo center piece gives cachet, all the more so since it is still very subtly burned and shows light brown hues. This clear but rustic detail becomes a focus in itself between the blackened bowl and the glossy black mouthpiece. Furthermore, there is something else to note about this item. For a pipe museum it is important not only to preserve the pipe, the original packaging is also part of the object and its history. That is why the pipe bag and the packaging box of modern pipes are also included in the collection. They inform us about the way in which the manufacturer put his product on the market and the Dunhill company definitely excels in this respect. With a box made of hard material, protected from scratches by a cardboard sleeve, the product is almost packaged like a jewel. This package also contains a guarantee certificate and a brochure about The White Spot, the circle of motivated/distinguished/select Dunhill smokers who are proud of part of it.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 17.501

Archive object of month