DUNHILL ULTRA RARE 1917- CASED GOURD MEER CALABASH REG No.654638 ESTATE PIPE

Description

It's hard to fathom what this pipe has seen over the past 100 years or so; Who owned it originally? How many owners? Where was it during WWII? If only pipes could talk! This is hands-down one of the rarest Dunhills I have ever had the pleasure of offering. It carries the Reg No.654638 which was granted in 1917, and this is the only Calabash I have seen that carried it. I recently researched this pipe and from what I can tell, this pipe was most likely made in 1917 as after that the Calabash' Dunhill offered no longer carried this Reg No. on the stem for whatever reason whereas other pipes like the Bruyere continued into the early 1930's. While I do think this pipe was made in 1917, it's possible it was made sometimes between 1917 and maybe the 1920's. It would have cost a pretty pence in it's day, most likely purchased by an aristocrat and enjoyed on special occasions or possibly even daily however with it's current condition I think it was only lightly smoked by it's previous owners. It's a classic example of the iconic shape yet in a very manageable size whereas many were overly big, this one is just right. The gourd is gorgeous and has taken on a butterscotch patina with age and shows what almost looks like birdseye grain. It is capped with the original Turkish block cup that offers about Group 4 capacity and has 3 draft holes drilled in a triangular pattern. As the gourd tapers it swoops up in a 3/4 bend and is adorned with a thick and brilliant Sterling Silver factory AD band adding a very classy touch. It's a shame they were not required to hallmark their silver at this time as we would then know for sure its age! Stem is original vulcanite with a perfect bend, push tenon, crisp button and lvory colored white spot with aforementioned Reg No. stamped on the bottom. Comes complete with original case marked  "Dunhill London, The White Spot" and "Dunhill London" in gold lettering on the case. Now for a bit of unfortunate news: The meershaum cup is stuck. I have tried to remove it to no avail, but I do not believe it is glued in as I am able to move it slightly. I would try to pull harder, but if I were to break the meerschaum, I would cry. I believe the cup is simply "frozen" against the cork gasket. I also believe it can be removed without breakage and could just damage the cork gasket (or maybe not at all) which is not a huge deal as it can be replaced, but I have decided to leave well enough alone due to it's age. The pipe is still able to be smoked, but the chamber inside the gourd cannot be cleaned of course. Being a museum piece, again, I have decided to sell this piece of Dunhill history "as is" but it certainly may be worth another try if the new owner is willing to give it a shot!
**This pipe will be shipped fully insured and packed well in a large box to prevent breakage.
Nomenclature: AD (on silver band)
Dimensions (approximate): 6 1/4" Long, 2 3/4" Tall, 7/8" Chamber Width, 1 3/8" Chamber Depth
Condition: Excellent overall. Chamber is clean and sound with very little wear. Rim shows a small chip and a minor scratch near the interior. Silver is beautiful and free from dings. Stem is surprisingly near mint! Case has wear commensurate with age. Overall superb!
Weight: 40g
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I aim to offer the best selection of pipes covering all makes and grades, truly something for every smoker and collector! All of my pipes are restored, sanitized, and ready to smoke upon arrival at your doorstep! I take the utmost care in my restoration methods to ensure the pipe is as close to its original state as possible and never compromise. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy bringing them back to life!
-Deadmanspipes