From the Richard Dunhill estate comes this 1978 Diplomat/Banker shape 41282 in a classic Shell finish. Richard was the grandson of Alfred and died in 2016 at the age of 89 and worked for Dunhill for decades as a chairman and was instrumental in the company's legacy and continued success. He had a fine collection of pipes and almost all were marked with a "C" stamp which normally indicates a Churchwarden but this one a different font and somehow associated with him. It's a fantastic sha...pe the "28" and later became the 2014 Christmas Pipe but in a Group 5. A classic it has a nice wide bowl and is cognac shaped with thick walls and a rounded rim leading to a modest but wide chamber. The shank is quite wide as well and creased tapering slightly as it meets the original vulcanite stem with crisp white spot and fishtail bit. Finish is classic Shell, dark with lovely red/burgundy undertones while the blast is quite nice for a 70's era showing vertical ring grain and a patch of birdseye on the left. A fantastic collectible shape from the Richard Dunhill estate, a piece of Dunhill history and promises a very fine smoking experience! Nomenclature: DUNHILL SHELL, 41282, MADE IN ENGLAND18, C Dimensions: 5 3/4" Long, 1 1/2" Tall, 13/16" Chamber Width, 1 1/8" Chamber Depth Condition: Excellent. Chamber is clean and sound with a touch of reaming. Nomenclature is a touch light. Otherwise perfect! Weight: 40g Be sure to check out my other fine and rare pipes at auction and buy it now. Follow me as a seller to be updated first on my fresh listings! I buy individual pipes or entire collections, please reach out for details. I aim to offer the best selection of pipes covering all makes and grades, truly something for every smoker and collector! All of my pipes are restored, sanitized, and ready to smoke upon arrival at your doorstep! I take the utmost care in my restoration methods to ensure the pipe is as close to its original state as possible and never compromise. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy bringing them back to life! -Deadmanspipes