Ben Wade (Preben Holm) Danish Hand Model 400 XL Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Though he would tragically pass away at the age of 42, Preben 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 good as they smoked. Even Herman Lane, owner of Lane Ltd. and Charatan during the 1960s and 1970s, was so impressed by Holm that he contracted the Danish artisan to carve pipes under his newly-acquired Ben Wade make, despite simultaneously stewarding the meteoric rise of English-made freehand pipes through Charatan). Today, Holm’s pipes remain highly sought-after, perhaps even more so than when he was still alive, to the extent that even the historic—and, originally, very English—Ben Wade name is difficult to separate from Holm’s work.

Not being a pipe maker myself, one thing I’ve always envied about that endeavor is the moment, after beginning to carve away at a block, the grain shows itself to be truly excellent. I guess that’s when you first realize that a very special pipe is hidden in there somewhere, amidst the rest of the briar. Take this Ben Wade as an example; imagine how it must have felt for Holm, or one of his apprentices, to see that straight grain for the first time, and to “chase” it into revealing its full potential. I’d bet it’s quite the thrill, maybe even more so than getting your hands on the pipe after it’s been made.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and slight handling marks.

Details:

Length: 7.4″ / 187.9mm

Bowl Width: 1.18 / 29.97mm

Bowl Depth: 1.96″ / 49.78mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g