Dunhill Patent Shield Pipe - a century of innovation
Do you know about the patent Dunhill pipes with a wind shield? If this is a novelty for you after more than a hundred years, just as it was for me, read this article.
Recently, I got my hands on a replica of the patented Dunhill pipe with a front shield, which I consider a true curiosity that I would like to share with you. On a period promotional poster, it is presented as a pipe for athletes, cyclists, sailors, and motorists, which is quite amusing from today's perspective. So, let’s take a closer look at this special pipe from the innovative Dunhill.
The Dunhill brand was founded by Alfred Dunhill in 1907 in London. From the very beginning, he emphasized functional innovations, not just appearance. During the period of approximately 1912–1920, the company patented several design solutions for pipes, primarily in the area of mouthpieces, achieving better draw and moisture condensation.
Among the most interesting experiments of the Dunhill brand are pipes with a shield and today they are also among the most valued. This is not just a mere curiosity, but a practical answer to a real problem: how to smoke a pipe outside in the wind and discomfort without the smoking turning into a struggle to keep the ember alive.
According to period advertising, the pipe, thanks to its shield, prevents unpleasantness when smoking in buses, trams, cars, on bicycles, and in the open air. It is also invaluable at home, as the shield prevents ash from falling onto carpets, billiard, or card tables.
The very idea completely transported me back a hundred years into the gentlemanly atmosphere of Victorian England. And how do you see it? Do you find this pipe interesting, and do you have tips on other curiosities not only from Dunhill's workshops?
