Pipedia Dunhill Dating Guide

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Dunhill Dating Guide

Based on Loring's and Field's guides (used by permission).
Organized by Yang Forcióri

Note: This guide is in permanent improvement. If you have any information to add or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me here.


Dunhill Pipes ©Forcióri


Does it have a patent number? See Below.
If it doesn't have a patent, then Click Here.

Patent Era

Among lovers of the Dunhill brand, the Patent Era pipes are the ones most sought after. Alfred began the Patent Era when he registered his first patent in 1904. It was for the Windshield Pipe, at the time still under Dunhill Motorities. In 1906 he opened his patent office to manage his inventions. In was in 1907 that he opened his first tobacco shop in London at Duke Street-N.31A, which starts the rich history of the legendary Dunhill pipe.

Since the first Dunhill patent stamped on a pipe was in 1905 (the year the patent was granted), we can say that Dunhill's Patent Era begins in 1905 and lasts until 1954.

Which one?




Single Patent
  • Click on the patent number to continue.

App25261 |—| 5861/12 |—| 1130806/15 |—| 158709/14 |—| PATENTED 1914 |—| PATENTED MARCH.9.15 |—| 158709/14 |—| PAT.AMERICA 1915 |—| 1130806/15 |—| 116989/17 |—| BREV. No. 491232/18 |—| 363582 |—| U.S. PATENT 1343253/20 |—| PAT No. 158709/14 |—| PATENTED 1932 |—| 10225/31 |—| 358812U.S. PATENT 1861910/32 |—| PATENT PENDING |—| 417574 |—| 417574/34 |—| PAT. No. 119708/17 |—| 1341418/20 |—| Pat. No. 209845/21 |—| BREV. No. EN. SUSPENS |—| PATENT No. 325090 |—| PATENT No. 197365/20 |—| PROV.PAT.15114/34.

Double Patent - Shell Finish

In 1918, Dunhill began to unify two technologies into a single pipe — one patent for oil treatment and another for its inner tubes (it is the combination of the above-related patents).

  • Click on the patent number to continue.

U.S.A. PAT / APPLD FOR |—| PAT. No. 5861/12 . PAT.PENDING |—| 5861/12.119708/17 |—| 119708/17.116989/17 |—| 119708/17.BREV.No. 491232/18 |—| PAT.MAR.9.15 over PAT.APP FOR |—| PAT.APP FOR over PAT.1914 |—| PAT.MAR.9.15 & 1341418/20 |—| PAT. Nos. 119708/17.116989/17 |—| 119708/17.BREV.No. 491232/18 |—| PAT. Nos. 158709/14&209845/21 |—| PAT. Nos. 1130806/15&1341418/20. |—| PAT. Nos. 209845/21&197365/20 |—| PAT. Nos. 1341418/20&1343253/20 |—| CANADIAN PATENTS 209845/21&PAT.PENDING. |—| U.S.PATENTS 1341418/20&1861910/32 |—| U.S.PATENTS 1341418/20&PAT.PENDING.

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App 25261

[1904/05 up to early-20s*] The first wind-shield pipes were patented in 1904 and sold from 1904/05 on, while Alfred Dunhill operated his “Dunhill's Motorities business. The Duke Street tobacconist did not yet exist, it opened in 1907. As such, those early pipes were stamped on the shank with DUNHILL’s over PATENT (patent number App 25261).

  • *The windshield was marketed for many years and was still available in the 1928 About Smoke catalog. However, this patent must have been used until the early 20s (before the date code), as some of the pipes sold in the United States in the early 1920s had only the inner tube patent.




5861/12

[1913 up to 1926] The first patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes registered in England.
They were patented in March 1912, but they were being fitted about eighteen months earlier.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • In 1921 Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes (see notes 6).
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921. Check it out here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




PATENTED MARCH.9.15

[1915 up to 1923] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes registered in the United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2 or 3 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Sometimes applied as PAT.AMERICA 1915.
  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921. Check it out here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




PATENTED 1914

[1914 up to 1923] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes registered in Canada.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2 or 3 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921. Check it out here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




1130806/15

[1924 up to 1926] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes registered in the United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 4, 5 and 6 (they are smaller and underscored).

The Dunhill stamp inventory log also shows receipt of patent stamps without any date code in this period but it might have been added by the point-of-sales. If it doesn't have the date code, see if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




158709/14

[1924 up to 1926] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes registered in Canada.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 4, 5 or 6 (they are smaller and underscored).

The Dunhill stamp inventory log also shows receipt of patent stamps without any date code in this period but it might have been added by the point-of-sales. If it doesn't have the date code, see if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




116989/17

[1918 up to 1934] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with flange registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, then 11, 12, 13 and, 14 for the early-30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Through 1926/1927 pipes intended for the domestic (i.e. English) market generally were not stamped "MADE IN ENGLAND" unless the pipe did not have an Inner Tube.
  • In 1934 this patent was used with DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar") stamp on pipes intended for export.
  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921. Check it out here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




PAT. No. 119708/17

[1918 up to 1929] The patent for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting, registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
  • "SHELL BRIAR" did not have the "MADE IN ENGLAND" (see notes 7).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" or "FABRICATION ANGLAISE" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
  • The PAT. No. 119708/17 was used in conjunction with "FABRICATION ANGLAISE" between 1927 and 1929 on pipes destined for France.
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




1341418/20

[1921 up to 1927 then 1927 up to 1933 & WWII Period] The patent for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting, registered in United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, then 0, 11, 12 and, 13 for the early-30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • From '27 up to '33 the patent number was preceded by "U.S.PATENT".
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "BRIAR") up to '33 (sometimes, without quotation marks and possessive in '33 already).
  • From '35 onward, the possessive (Dunhill's) and the quotation marks for Shell finish is no longer applies.
  • Loring defends a hypothesis that this patent was also applied in the WWII period without date code or any other nomenclature, like the inner tube, for example. Using the "PATENT No. 1341418/20" stamp, from 1941 up to 1943. See more about it here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




Pat. No. 209845/21

[1924 up to 1927 then, 1928 up to 1929, and 1936 up to 1941] The patent for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting, registered in Canada.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • From '28 up to '29 the patent number was preceded by "CANADIAN PATENT" and stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
  • From '36 up to '41 the patent number was preceded by "CANADIAN PATENT" and in this case, stamped DUNHILL SHELL (without quotation marks and the possessive).
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




10225/31

[April 1931 up to December 1931] The provisional patent protection (Prov. Prot.) for Dunhill's Vernon fitment, registered in England on 7 April '31 and applied right after. Granted with final Nº: 363582 on 24 December 1931.

The Dunhill stamp inventory log also shows receipt of patent stamps without any date code in this period. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




363582

[1931 up to 1936] The patent for Dunhill's Vernon fitment (sometimes attached to the shank), registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 (they are smaller and underscored).

Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




358812

[1932 up to 1935] Patent related to Dunhill's Vernon fitment (sometimes attached to the shank), also registered in England. It was not possible to establish the difference between it and the patent 363582.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 12, 13, 14 and 15 (they are smaller and underscored).

Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




PROV.PAT.15114/34

[1934 and 35 then 1954] the provisional patent for Driway Bowl.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 14 and 15 then, 4 for 1954 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • The Driway was only utilized in the Shell Briar series.
  • Stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" DRIWAY in 1934 and (possibly) DUNHILL SHELL DRIWAY in 1935.
  • In 1954 stamped DUNHILL DRIWAY SHELL BRIAR over PATS. PENDING.
Details about the period of use and the final patent number are presently unknown.




PATENT No. 325090

[1932 up to 1936*] The patent for Dunhill's Vernon fitment (sometimes attached to the shank), registered in Canada (See the *Addendum 1).

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 (they are smaller and underscored).

Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




U.S. PATENT 1861910/32

[1932 than 1935 up to 1936] The patent for Dunhill's Vernon fitment (sometimes attached to the shank), registered in United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • The reason for this jump (and whether there was) from 1932 to 1935 is unclear.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




U.S. PATENT 1343253/20

[1927 up to 1933 & 1927 up to 1941] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with flange registered in the United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, then 11, 12 and 13. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Sometimes without the "U.S. PATENT", i.e, only the patent number 1343253/20 was stamped. Used between 1927 up to 1941.
From '37 up to '41, the Dunhill stamp inventory log also shows receipt of patent stamps without any date code in this period but it might have been added by the point-of-sales. If it does, it is something like 1930 +: 7, 8, 9, 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1940, then 1 for 1941. If it doesn't have the date code, see if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




417574

[1935 up to 1941] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with spring flange registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and, 0 for 1940, then 1 for 1941. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • From this time onward, the possessive (Dunhill's) and the quotation marks for Shell finish is no longer applies.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PATENT PENDING

[1932 up to 1935] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes (probably), and the country where it was registered is currently unknown.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 12, 13, 14 and 15 and (they are smaller and underscored).

Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.   




PATENTED 1932

[1934 up to 1935] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes (probably), and the country where it was registered is currently unknown.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1930 +: 14 and 15 and (they are smaller and underscored).

Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.   




PATENT No. 197365/20

[1927 up to 1937*] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with flange registered in Canada (See the *Addendum 2).

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, then 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 for the early-30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • In 1927, this patent was stamped "PATENT. No. 197365/20".
  • From 1928 up to 1934 this patent was stamped "CANADIAN PATENT No. 197365/20".
  • In 1935 its stamped DUNHILL SHELL (without quotation marks and the possessive).
  • From 1935 up to 1937, the "PATENT. No. 197365/20" was, sometimes, stamped without the "CANADIAN".
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "BRIAR").
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




417574/34

[1942 up to 1954] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with spring flange registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1940 +: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 7, 8, 9 than, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, for the 50s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • From 1944 through 1954 only the English inner tube with spring flange patent no. 417574/34, was stamped.
  • From this time onward, only this patent was used, for all pipes with Inner Tube without regard to the destination country.
  • It might be noted that in 1944 there was a tooling error and in that year both a forward and backward slash stampings may be found, i.e. /34 and \34 (this only in '34).
  • The encircled group number was introduced in 1951 (see notes 1).
  • In 1952 full-size stamps were added to the finishes, right after the circled groups. (See notes 2).
  • DUNHILL SHELL (without quotation marks and the possessive) over "MADE IN ENGLAND" in '47, '53 and '54.
  • Shell Briar (not only Shell) stamp was used again from 1952 up to 1954 (without quotation marks and the possessive. See notes 7).
  • In 1953 the finishes stamps after the circled group were reduced to about half the size (see notes 3).
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




BREV. No. 491232/18

[1919 up to 1934] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with flange registered in France.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after FABRICATION ANGLAISE): 1920 +: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, then 11, 12, 13 and, 14 for the early-30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • "FABRICATION ANGLAISE" stamped on pipes destined for France.
  • The BREV. No. 491232/18 was also used (alone) on Dunhill's Shell finish in 1934.
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921. Check it out here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here. 




BREV. No. EN. SUSPENS

[1935] The patent for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes with flange registered in France.

  • "FABRICATION ANGLAISE" stamped on pipes destined for France.
The Dunhill stamp inventory log also shows receipt of patent stamps without any date code in this year.



Double Patent Area

PAT. Nos. 5861/12.119708/17

[1918 up to 1926] Patents for Dunhill's Inner Tubes and Oil Treatment/Sandblasting registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number: 1920 +: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
  • Possessive stamp: DUNHILL'S "SHELL BRIAR" did not have the "Made in England".
  • Sometimes stamped 119708/17.5861/12 instead 5861/12.119708/17.
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
If it doesn't have the date code, it may be from before 1921. Check it out here.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PAT.APP FOR over PAT.MAR.9.15

[1918 up to 1920] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting (US/CA) and Inner Tubes registered in the United States.

  • No date code in this period. Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "BRIAR").
No date code or other signal that may determine a specific year during this period.




PAT.APP FOR over PAT.1914

[1919 up to 1921] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting (US/CA) and Inner Tubes registered in the Canada.

  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "BRIAR").
No date code or other signal that may determine a specific year during this period.




PAT.MAR.9.15 & 1341418/20

[1920 up to 1923] The patents for Dunhill's aluminum Inner Tubes and Oil Treatment/Sandblasting, registered in United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 2 and 3 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Dunhill formally instituted a one-year pipe guarantee (the "White Spot Guarantee") and in conjunction with that guarantee a date code system to date the pipes in 1921 (see notes 6).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "BRIAR").
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PAT. Nos. 119708/17.116989/17

[1927 up to 1931 / 1934] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes with flange, registered in England.

The date code is just after the patent number: 1920 +: 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930 and 11 for 1931 then, 12, 13 and 14 for the 30s (they are smaller and underscored).

  • Sometimes stamped 116989/17&119708/17 instead 119708117.116989/17 and using "&".
  • Possessive stamp: DUNHILL'S "SHELL BRIAR" did not have the "Made in England".
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" on pipes intended for export and stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar"). In this case, the patent goes up to 1934.
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




119708/17.BREV.No. 491232/18

[1927 up to 1933] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes with flange, registered in England and France..

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after FABRICATION ANGLAISE): 1920 +: 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, 11, 12 and 13 for the 30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • "FABRICATION ANGLAISE" stamped on pipes destined for France.
  • Possessive stamp: DUNHILL'S "SHELL"
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code after 1921. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PAT. Nos. 158709/14&209845/21

[1924 up to 1926] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes, registered in Canada.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 4, 5 and 6 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "BRIAR").
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PAT. Nos. 1130806/15&1341418/20

[1924 up to 1929] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes, registered in United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PAT. Nos. 209845/21&197365/20

[1927 then 1928 up to 1934] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes with flange, registered in Canada.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, 11, 12, 13 and 14 for the 30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • From '28 up to '34 the patent numbers stamp was preceded by "CANADIAN PATENTS". Only in 1927 were stamped the numbers alone.
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




PAT. Nos. 1341418/20&1343253/20

[1927 then, 1927 up to 1933, and 1937] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes with flange, registered in United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1920 +: 7, 8, 9 and, 0 for 1930, 11, 12 and 13 for the 30s. (they are smaller and underscored).

  • From '27 up to '33 the patent numbers stamp was preceded by "U.S.PATENTS".
  • In 1937 the patent numbers stamp was preceded by "U.S.PATENTS" using DUNHILL SHELL (without quotation marks and the possessive).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




CANADIAN PATENTS 209845/21&PAT.PENDING

[1933 then 1935] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Inner Tubes with flange, registered in Canada.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1930 +: 13 then 15 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
  • In 1935 we have a variation to CANADIAN PATENTS 209845/21&PENDING (without the "PAT"). In this case, stamped DUNHILL SHELL (without quotation marks and the possessive).
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.




U.S.PATENTS 1341418/20&1861910/32

[1932 up to 1934 then 1935 up to 1936] Patents for Dunhill's Oil Treatment/Sandblasting and Dunhill's Vernon fitment, registered in United States.

The date code is just after the patent number (sometimes after ENGLAND): 1930 +: 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 (they are smaller and underscored).

  • In early 1932 was stamped "U.S.PATENTS 1341418/20&PAT.PENDING" before the patent for Vernon fitment is granted (which occurred in the same year).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" stamped on pipes intended for export, in these cases, stamped DUNHILL'S "SHELL" (without "Briar").
  • From 1935 up to 1936 this patent was stamped with DUNHILL SHELL (without quotation marks and the possessive).
Sometimes the patent was stamped without any date code. See if there are any additional details that can help you figure out an approximate date here.


Pre-Date-System

This period is divided into three parts: Pre-October 1918, Post-October 1918, and early-20s for a smooth finish.



pipephil©
Pre-October 1918
  • From 1910 through October 1918 Dunhill branded its pipes with DUNHILL over DUKE ST. S.W. (After this period, only in special editions, as the anniversary versions 75 years in 1985 and 100 years in 2007), which reproduce Dunhill pipes made in 1910.
  • *1912 - The "White Spot" Whitespot.jpg trademark first appeared on pipes.
  • From June 1918 through October 1918 a small round subscript, like this "o" was added immediately following the "A", that generally was stamped to the left of DUNHILL (Before that, they were aleatory and sometimes more than once).
  • "MADE IN ENGLAND" was (probably) stamped on the Duke Street pipes intended for export to the United States (only).




Post end-May, pipephil©
Post-October 1918
  • In November of 1918, Dunhill changed the DUKE ST S. W. stamping to LONDON.
  • Jan up to mid-May of 1919, DUNHILL arched over LONDON lines are of equal length, the verticals of the "D" of DUNHILL and the "L" of LONDON lining up.
  • Post-end-May of 1919, the stamp was recut at the end of May and from June until the end of 1919. LONDON is equal to the arch with the "L" and "N" pointing to the outside points of the "D" and final "L" of Dunhill.




D with tails, pipephil©
Early-20s
  • 1920 up to 1922, the Dunhill stamp returns to normal (without arching) and Dunhill's "D" (from November) has tails.
  • In 1921, the date system code was introduced.



Earliest Shell

The documented history of the Shell’s beginnings is essentially limited to patent applications – there are no catalog page or advertisement birth announcements.



Dunhill.London, Loring©


  • DUNHILL'S "SHELL BRIAR" and the second "PAT. No. 5861/12" (the inner tube patent) and possibly "PAT.PENDING" or similar language referring to the pending sandblast patent, it could be comfortably dated to 1917.
  • To September/October 1918 when the US Patent application was being prepared and filed, for the nomenclature refers to that application: U.S.A. PAT / APPLD FOR but differs considerably from that later and consistently found: PAT. MAR.9.15 / PAT.APP FOR. Similarly the DUNHILL.LONDON / “SHELL BRIAR” stamping is unique as the uniform stamping through the mid-1930s is DUNHILL’S “SHELL” MADE IN ENGLAND or DUNHILL’S “SHELL BRIAR” on one or two lines and never in any other known case a non-possessive DUNHILL or a LONDON.


Triggers

  • The "F/T" (fishtail) mouthpiece was designed only in the 1930s.
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  • The original SKUs/model numbers from the 1920s until the early 1970s stood for very specific shapes and bowls. For example, the codes 31, 34, 59, 111, 113, 117, 196, LB, LBS... Were all different types of Billiard shaped pipes and there were about 50, such codes for the Billiard shape alone.
  • Dunhill’s application for what became the Registration Number bit stampings to 1916 up to circa 1933, “REG. No. [over the mouthpiece] 654638”, some are stamped “PROV. PRO 2983/16”.
  • If it has a case with Pat. No. 141486/19, it's from 1920 onwards. These cases received the Royal Warrant label (see notes 8).
  • The White Spot has changed over the decades, as we can see in the image on the right.
  • Before 1924 (June ‘18 up to '25), the Bruyere "A" is sometimes followed by a round or square subscript, with a number below or inside a circle. [ A. - Ao - (A) apparently, inside a circle until 1923].
  • The original Inner Tube usually has the patent number stamped on the surface.
  • The possessive (Dunhill's) for Shell finish was applied from 1918 up to 1934.
  • In 1952, the stamps changed from DUNHILL over LONDON to DUNHILL over the name of the finish, BRUYERE, ROOT BRIAR, etc (see notes 4).
  • The stamp "FABRICATION ANGLAISE" was applied on pipes destined for France through '17 up to 40s. The stamp being retired with the war.
  • Dunhill introduced its third major finish, the Root finish in 1931.
  • "SHELL" was stamped between quotation marks until 1934.
  • Prior to 1931, all early Dead Root's (DR) are necessarily associated with Bruyeres finish (see more here).
  • Prior to 1932 DRs were stamped simply "DR" but with the "Root Briar" introduction, Root DRs were stamped "DRR" (see more here).
  • If your pipe does not have the date code but has a silver or gold "AD" band, you can date it with the British hallmarks - see more about it here
  • ODA 800 Series introduced in the 1950s.


Post-Patents

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Otherlogo3.jpeg
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Oval logo.jpg
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New logo.jpg
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1955 up to 1994

From now on the patent number is no longer shown on the pipe.



[1955 up to 1969] Only a single suffix number.

The date code is just after ENGLAND: 1950 +: 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for the 50s and 0 for 1960 (they are smaller and underscored) then, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for the 60s (they are equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND”).

  • Sometimes two suffix numbers (one after the other), but it's an additional stamp for warranty control (see more here).
  • From 1961 up to 1964 we can find numbers without underscore - the code is a raised and smaller than the preceding "D".
  • Sometimes the numbers 6, 7, 8 and 9, in the 50s, are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND”.
  • DUNHILL over finish stamp (BRUYERE or ROOT BRIAR). On sandblasted DUNHILL followed by the name of the finish (DUNHILL SHELL, etc).
  • Finishing letters and group size in this period (see notes 2).
  • From '51 up to '58, the following letters for finishing were smaller than the preceding circle;
  • From '59 up to '64, the "A" and "R" are slightly larger than the preceding circle and the "S" and "T" being slightly smaller.
  • From '65 up to '77, all following letters being approximately the same size as the preceding circle.




[1970 up to 1994] Double suffix number from now on.

[70s] The date code is just after ENGLAND: 1960 + 10: a large non-underscored zero "o" for 1970 then, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 for the 70s (they are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND”).

[80s] The date code is just after ENGLAND: 1960 + 20 for 1980 then, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 for the 80s (they are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND” and underscored).

[90s] The date code is just after ENGLAND: 1960 + 30 for 1990 then, 31, 32, 33 and 34 for the 90s (they are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND” and underscored).

  • Sometimes the numbers are underscored in the 70s.
  • Sometimes two suffix numbers (one after the other), but it's an additional stamp for warranty control (see more here).
  • From 1910 up to 1975, Dunhill generally gave its pipes shape numbers of two or three digits, beginning with 31.
  • In 1976 a 3-digit system (“Interim”) was developed that showed a logical approach to identify pipes in terms of size, mouthpiece (this was soon to be replaced).
  • Finishing letters and group size up to 1977.
  • The 5-digit shape numbers were added in mid-late 1977 and ended in 1984 (when 5 digits occur, the meaning of the 4 first remains the same - see notes 9).
  • Double suffix numbers are underscored and continue consecutively from '80 up to '99,
  • in 1985 four-digit system code reintroduced definitively.

1995 up to 2012

Dunhill logo inside an ellipse



[90s & 00s] The date code is just after ENGLAND: 1990 +: 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 for the 90s (they are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND” and underscored). then, 00 for 2000 and 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11 and 12 (they are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND” and non-underscored).

  • Dunhill logo inside an ellipse was used until March 2012.
  • Finish stamp (BRUYERE, ROOT BRIAR, Chestnut, etc) over "MADE IN ENGLAND'. On sandblasted, finish followed by "MADE IN ENGLAND.
  • Before 2007 there were only two classifications for mouthpieces (1= tapered, 2= saddle). After this period, 9 patterns are used (see more here).


March 2012 up to nowadays

Alfred Dunhill's - The White Spot



[00s] The date code is just after ENGLAND: 2000 + 10: 12, 13, 14 ,15 ,16 ,17 ,18 ,19 and 20 for 2020 (they are roughly equal in size to the “D” in the word “ENGLAND” and non-underscored).

  • Finish stamp (BRUYERE, ROOT BRIAR, Chestnut, etc) over "MADE IN ENGLAND'. On sandblasted, finish followed by "MADE IN ENGLAND.
  • After March 2012 the Dunhill logo inside an ellipse was replaced by "Alfred Dunhill's - The White Spot".
  • Finishing letters and group size reitroduced for classic shapes.


Notes

Gr1S.jpg
Gr2A.jpg

|1 John Loring indicated that the Shells will be found with a 1950 date code and a circled group size stamp, but those pipes were either manufactured and stamped in 1951, or manufactured in 1950 and, still unsold, received a supplementary group size stamp in 1951.

|2 Finishing letters and group size: "S" for Shell, "T" for Tanshell, "R/B" for Redbark, "A" for Bruyère, and "R" for Root Briar. For example (4)S, (3)T, and so forth.

|3 Loring indicated that the finished stamps were reduced to about half size in 1954. However, Mr. Hener (Product Line Director - The White Spot Smoker's Accessory Division) points out that this change occurred in 1953.

|4 Loring indicated that the logo over the finished stamp changed before that period exclusively for the shell finish, and only in 1947.

|5 The stamp "Pat. App For" was used in conjunction with the American and Canadian patent for inner tubes. We can assume that the "Pat App For" is related to blasting. Nevertheless, we cannot define the origin of the patent since it was used in both cases. This mix of patents occurred in other cases, such as the merger of English and French patents.

|6 Although introduced in 1921, it seems to have been applied vigorously from 1922. Date code on 1921 pipes is currently unknown.

|7 On army mount bands it's stamped DUNHILL'S SHELL BRIAR (without quotation marks) even on pipes intended for export. Usually, this stamp is used with quotation marks and without MADE IN ENGLAND, except in this situation.

|8 In 1921 the Royal Warrant was received by Prince of Wales and his Royal Crest was used up to 1936. In 1938 the Royal Warrant was received from the new King George VI and his Royal Crest was used up to 1953 when the King passed away. Dunhill continued to display the warrant without the monarch reference. The label was again revised and the monarch reference was added as "To The Late King George VI" (this form continued in use through the early '60s). After that, it was changed for the last time to the Royal Crest of Her Majesty the Queen.

|9 The 5th digit indicated the style of the bowl within the group of a similar classification, each identified by the last digit, which could be any number between 1-9. While e.g. within the Gp.4 Billiard there were 5 different styles of bowls (5th digit being either 1,2,3,4, or 9), for a Gp.1 Billiard there were only 3 styles used (5th digit is 1, 2, or 9).

|10 This stamp Shell Briar (without quotation marks and the possessive) was also used in export-type pipes (MADE IN ENGLAND) from 1952 up to 1954.

Contact information

Yang Forcióri
Brasília, Distrito Federal - Brazil
E-mail: mailto:yang@forciori.com.br

Thanks =)

I thank my friend Steve Snyder for the friendship and support in developing this work in our long hours trying to unravel the mysteries of Dunhill. I also thank Scott Thile for making this job possible. Last but not least, thanks to Kalmon S. Hener from The White Spot Division for his valuable official information.

Sources




Yang (talk) 16:42, 15 January 2021 (CDT)