Early Dunhill Shell Briar 24 Double Patent 119708/17 5861/12 Estate Pipe For Sale

Offered here is an early Dunhill’s “Shell Briar” Shape 24 estate pipe with Dunhill’s distinctive deep sandblast finish and early double-patent nomenclature.The pipe is stamped:DUNHILL’S “SHELL BRIAR”
PAT. No. 119708/17 . 5861/12
24 on the underside of the bowlI can find no visible date-code suffix on this pipe.The combination of Patent Nos. 119708/17 and 5861/12 is associated with early Dunhill Shell production and was used during the patent era, approximately 1918–1926. Dunhill’s date-code system began appearing around 1921, so the absence of a date code may indicate an especially early example. However, later pipes are also known without visible date codes. Therefore, I am not representing this pipe as being from a specific year. Detailed photographs of the markings are included so collectors can examine and judge them for themselves.The pipe retains a very attractive, rugged Shell sandblast with considerable character and reddish-brown coloration showing through the darker finish. The patent-era nomenclature remains quite readable considering the age of the pipe.This is an antique, well-used estate pipe and shows wear consistent with its age. The rim has darkening, smoothing and wear from smoking and use.Important chamber condition: At the very bottom of the tobacco chamber is an irregular area that appears to have been filled or repaired at some point in the pipe’s history. I do not know when the work was performed, what material was used, or what condition exists beneath it. It may have been intended to address chamber erosion or the beginning of a burnout, but I cannot determine that with certainty. I have left the area completely undisturbed rather than attempting to remove or alter an old repair. Close-up photographs of this area are included and should be examined carefully.I do not see an obvious burn-through on the exterior of the bowl in my examination, but because of the apparent internal repair, the pipe is being sold as an antique collectible estate pipe with the chamber condition disclosed as shown.The vulcanite stem shows considerable age-related oxidation and retains its cream/yellowed White Spot. The stem fits the shank well and its appearance, proportions and construction are consistent with an old Dunhill stem. However, I cannot personally guarantee that the stem is original to this particular pipe, and prefer to let knowledgeable collectors judge it from the detailed photographs.I have not aggressively restored, refinished, sanded or heavily buffed this pipe. Given its age and collectible nature, I have intentionally left further cleaning or restoration decisions to its next owner.Measurements:Length: 5 1/8”
Bowl height: 1 1/8”
Bowl width: 1 3/8”
Chamber diameter: 7/8”
Chamber depth: 7/8”An unusual early Dunhill Shell Briar with Shape 24 designation, double-patent stamping and no visible date code.Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the close-up photographs of the chamber, as they are an important part of the condition description.