A Final Dunhill Thought

 

The photo above is the best photo Smoking Pipes has for the most expensive Dunhill pipe they have in stock. It just might be the most expensive Dunhill pipe ever produced.  But a lot of cost is the case, which when closed, looks like a book.  It has the title of The Discovery of  Tutankhaman's Tomb embossed in gold.  The whole set including the pipe itself commemorates the 100th year discovery of Pharoh Tutankhamn's tomb in 1922, by British Egyptollogst, Howard Carver.

The book itself is leather bound with the color of the leather a royal blue.  The pipe was chosen as Dunhill's commemorative design of the event.  It is considered to be Dunhill's finest shapes and designs.  The pipe has a silver windscreen fashioned entirely in the shape of the Pharoh's death mask.  The tamper shown is of fine silver, which is included, fashioned from the scale replica of the entire mummy form and face of the Pharoh.    

Now, before I go any further on this topic, some of you might be wondering if this pipe would be smoked.  This pipe and case is close to what one might find in a museum, or at least a Dunhill museum.  My guess is that neither tobacco or a flame will ever come close to this collection.  It is a showpiece only.  It will be purchased with the sole intent for show and not for use.  Unless the lucky buyer just wants it and not as an investment.  

I would never consider buying it and using it, but there might be buyers who just want the pipe regardless of cost.  Which brings me to cost.  I would still get my 15% discount on this item which reduces the cost from $5,295 to $4,500.75.  I don't know enough about whether smoking the pipe and having used the tamper would add a kind of patina or how much it would reduce it's value.  But like anything not in original condition, I can't imagine anything but a reduced value if smoked.

Now, unless something should arise that's of incredible interest or unusual from Dunhill, I just might be finished writing about anything from Dunhill.  If price were no object would I want this?  I just have no idea.  It's like that aquarium table top lighter.  Anything can be like that.  Would I be at least tempted to smoke the pipe and use the tamper?  Again, I have no idea. 

I just have a hard time envisioning that kind of wealth, where smoking a pipe worth that much wouldn't matter.  But there are cigars costing more than this for a box of 20 and there are guys, especially, who smoke them.  Why?  They have money to burn.  I don't.  So, I just don't know.  It's like asking whether one would use a lighter costing $12,000. 

The collection above would make for a good investment.  No doubt.  I saw my real Calabash Gourde and Meerschaum pipe on top of my pipe cabinet this morning and for some reason chose it as my pioe for today.  I can't just clench it in my teeth.  It requires to be held in one hand.  I'm smoking it with some Christmas Spice tobacco that I lit with my $15 Zippo pipe lighter.  This suits me just fine.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave