Dunhill Dress 51122 (1979) Unsmoked

The History of Dunhill Pipes

Telling the story of Dunhill means walking the line between fact and legend. Alfred Dunhill understood the power of myth and wove it into the identity of his brand. His journey began in 1893, inheriting a harness-making business that he soon adapted to the emerging world of automobiles. In 1904, he created his first innovation for smokers: a windproof pipe designed for drivers.

In 1906, he opened his first tobacco shop on Duke Street, London, soon known for its personalized "My Mixture" blends. Unsatisfied with the quality of pipes on the market, he opened his own factory in 1910, guided by two principles: using only the finest materials and pricing the product according to its true value. His pipes were made to last a lifetime, with innovations such as the aluminum inner tube and, in 1915, the now-iconic White Spot on the stem to indicate the correct orientation.

During World War I, Dunhill went global by supplying pipes to Allied officers. In 1917, he introduced the revolutionary Shell Briar finish using sandblasting, and developed oil-curing methods that enhanced both the durability and smoking quality of the briar.

In the following decades, Dunhill became a global reference, opening stores in New York and Paris and serving an elite clientele, including British royalty and Winston Churchill. Their stamping and shape coding system allowed pipes to be precisely dated, and during WWII, Dunhill adapted to the American market’s taste for larger, classic shapes.

Today, Dunhill pipes are still handmade in their workshop on the outskirts of London. Each one undergoes over 90 meticulous steps by artisans with decades of experience. The commitment to sourcing only the finest briar and maintaining uncompromising craftsmanship remains unchanged.

Smoking a Dunhill means experiencing over a century of tradition, innovation, and excellence—an icon in the world of fine pipes.