What exactly is shell briar?

[Lynn]

I've been looking today on eBay at Dunhill pipes and have seen the "shell" series often. They are at the lower end of the price range for Dunhills and I was just wondering if the shell briar is a lesser quality product.

Are these still good pipes or are they inferior?

I would love to own a Dunhill and these can be had for under $200 regularly. Just wondering if they're worth it.

.......If you are talking Dunhill pipes:
- Shell briar is a line that is sandblasted with a dark stain.
- Root briar is a line that is smooth with a light stain.