Brothers Montgolfier First Manned Balloon Flight Shell Briar (4101) (24/42) (2021) Tobacco Pipe

Dunhill honors the French brothers Montgolfier and their contributions to the world of aeronautics with a limited-edition version of the English marque's "01" straight Apple, rendered in versatile Group 4 size. Aviation pioneers and inventors of the hot air balloon, Joseph-Michel Montgolfier and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier conceived of the idea after watching hot embers rise into the air, and, after much trial and error, they completed their invention and manned the first hot air balloon flight in 1783. It seems fitting to commemorate these two brilliant adventurers with another invention that harnesses fire, and Dunhill has created a special run of 101 sets for this very purpose, with 18 available in Root Briar, 40 in the County finish, and 42 wearing Dunhill's own trailblazing invention: Shell Briar, the world's first sandblasted finish.

This pipe set is 24/42 of the Shell Briar variation, with the dark, reserved color palette of the stummel complemented by a gleaming silver band at the junction. The timeless straight Apple shape proves once again why Dunhill maintains such a prominent place in pipe-making history, and the hand-cut stem delights with a promise of a comfortable smoke.

This pipe comes in a leather-bound, book-shaped case that serves as a handsome display, with The White Spot logo and a tribute to the pioneers on the spine and a full-color depiction of the adventurers' exploits on the front. A sterling silver tamper formed to look like a vintage hot air balloon is the perfect finishing touch to this set, and a worthy companion of the elegant "01." All together, this commemorative set is replete with thoughtful detail and sure to hold a special place within even the most distinguished collection.