What does the "Group Number" on Dunhill Shell Briar Pipes mean?

[droy1958]

What does the "Group Number" on Dunhill Shell Briar Pipes mean?

[AndyCAYP]

Bowl size!

[droy1958]

Bowl size!

Errrr.....that was a test. You passed! Actually, I didn't have a clue. I just noticed the circled number with an S after and didn't know the meaning. Thank you for the info. I found another Dunhill Shell and was thinking about keeping it in case I really enjoy smoking pipes as it seems to be a fine pipe...

[AndyCAYP]

Yeah, I would keep 'em! I've always wanted a Dunhill but could never justify the cost (to my wife).

BTW, the smaller the number, the smaller the bowl size. I think they go 1-5.

[droy1958]

Yeah, I would keep 'em! I've always wanted a Dunhill but could never justify the cost (to my wife).

BTW, the smaller the number, the smaller the bowl size. I think they go 1-5.

Well I dug up 3 Shells, but I put 2 up for auction. I didn't realize I had 3 of them until after the other two were listed. I think I would've kept the Bulldog one if I knew I had 3 at the time....

[Haebar]

Well I dug up 3 Shells, but I put 2 up for auction. I didn't realize I had 3 of them until after the other two were listed. I think I would've kept the Bulldog one if I knew I had 3 at the time....

You can cancel the bids and end the auction if you want to keep the pipe.

[NeverBend]

Bowl size!

Andy (@AndyCayp) is correct that the number indicates bowl size.

Lots of information about Dunhill nomenclature on the Net. This is a brief summary.

Dunhill has probably put more marks on their pipes and been more consistent in doing so, over the years, and that's part of their allure to collectors. Dunhill is the most widely collected pipe and there are several reliable experts on the topic, like R.D. Field and the volume of nomenclature marks is dizzying. Some links at the bottom of this post.

Most Dunhills will have:

• Date code
• Finish code (or name)
• Shape number
• Size number

Older pipes may have

• Patent number

Date code indicates the year that the pipe made. Introduced for warranty purposes.

Finish code can be "S" for Shell, "A" for Bruyere, etc., but the name may appear instead.

Size number, 1 for the smallest pipes up to 6 for the largest but there have been series of larger pipes like the ODA, ODB, etc.

Patent numbers appear (generally) on older pipes that were made with a patented process. More common in the first half of he 20th century.


Special series of pipes like the Straight Grain, Collector, etc., may be marked differently.

The famous Dunhill white dot on the top of the stem was introduced around 1915 so that customers knew how to orient the stem. Most companies have followed suit.

I'm conversant with Dunhill nomenclature but no expert. Given the value of these pipes, when buying especially, look them up on the Net. When you sell, if the nomenclature is clearly shown, the collectors will know what they're bidding on. David, (@droy1958), make sure that you show every bit of the nomenclature clearly (as well as the condition).

Links
Dunhill: Markings
Dunhill: Markings
A Dunhill Pipe Dating ...
Dunhill - Pipedia

Hope that this helps.

[droy1958]

Andy (@AndyCayp) is correct that the number indicates bowl size.

Lots of information about Dunhill nomenclature on the Net. This is a brief summary.

Dunhill has probably put more marks on their pipes and been more consistent in doing so, over the years, and that's part of their allure to collectors. Dunhill is the most widely collected pipe and there are several reliable experts on the topic, like R.D. Field and the volume of nomenclature marks is dizzying. Some links at the bottom of this post.

Most Dunhills will have:

• Date code
• Finish code (or name)
• Shape number
• Size number

Older pipes may have

• Patent number

Date code indicates the year that the pipe made. Introduced for warranty purposes.

Finish code can be "S" for Shell, "A" for Bruyere, etc., but the name may appear instead.

Size number, 1 for the smallest pipes up to 6 for the largest but there have been series of larger pipes like the ODA, ODB, etc.

Patent numbers appear (generally) on older pipes that were made with a patented process. More common in the first half of he 20th century.


Special series of pipes like the Straight Grain, Collector, etc., may be marked differently.

The famous Dunhill white dot on the top of the stem was introduced around 1915 so that customers knew how to orient the stem. Most companies have followed suit.

I'm conversant with Dunhill nomenclature but no expert. Given the value of these pipes, when buying especially, look them up on the Net. When you sell, if the nomenclature is clearly shown, the collectors will know what they're bidding on. David, (@droy1958), make sure that you show every bit of the nomenclature clearly (as well as the condition).

Links
Dunhill: Markings
Dunhill: Markings
A Dunhill Pipe Dating ...
Dunhill - Pipedia

Hope that this helps.

Thanks

[Haebar]

Are they on ebay?

[droy1958]

Are they on ebay?

Yes...

droy19580209 | eBay

- - - Updated - - -

Also - I see where these go up to at least a Group 6, not just 5 like I previously stated. I tend to not look into this brand too much because I'm in love with their Cumberland, County, and Shell Briar models and the more I look the more I want to buy one and buying one would get me in HUGE trouble!

I seen one today that was a Group 6....