Elwood (by Ferndown) Bark Bulldog w/Silver Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

Les Wood and Dolly Wood both began their careers in pipes working for Dunhill, with Les working in the silver mounting department, and Dolly working in the finishing department. While at Dunhill, both learned the fundamentals of making pipes, and after marrying and leaving the company, the two began to create pipes of their own. This led to the creation of L&JS Briars and, ultimately, the “Ferndown” make. It didn’t take long for the Ferndown name to become associated with some of the best British handmade pipes around, but when Dan Pipe approached the Woods about importing their pipes to Germany, a problem arose. As Les told us (see the MBSD interview with him for more), Dan Pipe’s management thought that German speakers would be able to pronounce “Ferndown,” so “Elwood” was eventually settled on as a substitute.

Much like the pipes Les and Dolly Wood made for Astleys, Elwood pipes are essentially Ferndown pipes by another name. This means that their finishes are equivalent to the latter and, even though they did not bear the equivalent stamping, the standard Ferndown terminology was used in Dan Pipe’s advertising. For example, this Elwood is equivalent to a Ferndown “Bark” (having been sold as an Elwood Bark) bulldog, showing off Les’s characteristic, old English shaping, his ornate silversmithing, and the iconic “Barking” rustication itself. The latter was performed by both Les and Dolly, with Dolly going on to apply their renowned Bark contrast stain.

The condition is very good. Some wear to the rim, including a little finish fading and minor inner rim charring, and slight handling marks. Unlike most Elwoods, which were produced for a predominantly filter-using German market, this one has a standard, non-filter tenon.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.47″ / 37.33mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g