Ben Wade Danish Hand Model 100 Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

While Ben Wade was a historic British pipe brand, for a time during the 1970s, production of Ben Wade pipes was contracted out to one of Danish pipe-making’s superstars: Preben Holm. Though he would tragically pass away at the age of 42, Holm was one of the pioneering figures in the ‘Danish design’ movement in 20th century pipe-making, a movement that still dominates the high-grade pipe scene. By hand-shaping his pipes on a belt sander, Holm was able to make the most of the patterns of grain hidden within briar, creating spectacular works of pipe art that looked just as well as they smoked. Owing to Holm’s untimely passing, his pipes are even more highly sought after than they were during his lifetime.

This freehand from Preben Holm’s workshop, sold as part of our consignment program, is a curious shape. It is almost like a vase, with the majority of the bowl being tall and chimney-like, resting on a ‘ledge’ of sorts comprised by the bowl’s bottom half. I’m almost reminded of some of the freehands that came out of Charatan’s workshop during the lane era, but this one is far more rustic and rugged in form. As a counterpoint to this ruggedness, the pipe has been left smooth polished, showing off some beautiful flame grain around the bowl. Despite its length, the pipe is not especially heavy, meaning it will sit in the hand comfortably for the long smokes its chamber promises.

The condition is good. There are some handling marks, and there is a small nick on the innermost rim (as can be seen at four O’clock on the rim picture provided) where the previous owner appears to have clipped the briar when reaming the pipe. It looks to be very superficial, but we have adjusted the price accordingly in any case.

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.97″ / 50.03mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g