Dunhill Curiosities: Difference between revisions

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=About Dunhill Gold and Silver Bands=
=About Dunhill Gold and Silver Bands=
[[File:Leswork.jpeg|thumb|right|140px|Les Wood's workshop.]]
[[File:Leswork.jpeg|thumb|right|140px|Les Wood's workshop.]]
We were talking to Mr. Leslie Wood to resolve some controversies about the application of these gold and silver bands. Leslie "Les" John Wood worked for Dunhill in the '60s. He started in 1963 in the Dunhill silver mounting department and left after 19 years. He ran the department with 3 other collaborators. They were given trays of 30 pipes at a time and put silver or gold bands on them (mostly silver). His last position was as master silversmith. Following his tenure with Dunhill, Les formed his own brand, L. & J.S. Briars, together with his wife Dolly, in 1978. Les Wood follows Sasieni, the first ex-Dunhill worker to start their own enterprise, and he was followed by William John "Ashton"-Taylor. After he left his job at the Dunhill factory, at the beginning of the '80s, the Dunhill decide to outsource this work. During the transition process, Mr. Wood acquired all they machinery (he still has all working these days) and he was contracted to make Dunhill bands at his workshop until 2008.<br>
We were talking to Mr. Leslie Wood to resolve some controversies about the application of these gold and silver bands. Leslie "Les" John Wood worked for Dunhill in the '60s. He started in 1963 in the Dunhill silver mounting department and left after 19 years. He ran the department with 3 other collaborators. They were given trays of 30 pipes at a time and put silver or gold bands on them (mostly silver). His last position was as master silversmith. Following his tenure with Dunhill, Les formed his own brand, L. & J.S. Briars, together with his wife Dolly, in 1978. Les Wood follows Sasieni, the first ex-Dunhill worker to start their own enterprise, and he was followed by William John "Ashton"-Taylor. After he left his job at the Dunhill factory in the beginning of the '80s, Dunhill decided to outsource this work. During the transition process, Mr. Wood acquired all of the machinery (which is still operable to this day) and he was contracted to make Dunhill bands at his workshop until 2008.<br>


The silver used in these bands is 925 and the gold range from 9K, 14K, and 18K. Usually, pipes come out of the factory with these bands, but can be added on-demand from customers. This original bands always carry at least, an AD mark (in a diamond frame) and 925 for Sterling silver. Sometimes, the silver band  does not have the full assay office hallmarks (which are not required if the silver weight does not exceed 7 grams)<br>
The silver used in these bands is 925 and the gold range from 9K, 14K, and 18K. Usually, pipes come out of the factory with these bands, but can be added on-demand from customers. This original bands always carry at least, an AD mark (in a diamond frame) and 925 for Sterling silver. Sometimes, the silver band  does not have the full assay office hallmarks (which are not required if the silver weight does not exceed 7 grams)<br>

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