This is a fairly rare piece and is in excellent condition, especially considering its age. It has the snap-in Vernon tenon. Dunhill applied for English and U.S. patents for the Vernon tenon in 1931 and this 1932 dated pipe is marked "Patent Pending" on the right side of the shank under "Made in England" to the left of a raised, underlined "12" Further to the right is "T36." Nomenclature on the left is "R" to the left of "Dunhill" over "London." Nomenclature is generally readable but there are four or five letters lost. There is some nomenclature on the bottom of the stem near the joint but I'm unable to read it.
The stem is Cumberland with a noticeable tooth impression on the bottom - thus the 8.5 rating I've given it. Top is without tooth marks. The aluminum Vernon tenon itself is in perfect condition. The inner tube is present and also marked with its patent number. It is the older version of the tube, with a squared off rather than slant-cut end. There's slight darkening on a couple of spots on the rim and a ding-free bowl and stem. Size is comparable to a Group 4.
