Ben Wade (Preben Holm) Martinique Extra Large Smooth Freehand (Estate)

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.

The Martinique was on the higher-end of the freehand lines made by Preben Holm under the Ben Wade name. In keeping with the sunny climate of their namesake, they wore a light, smooth finish, highlighting the lively briar patterns underneath, and were typically fitted with swirling golden acrylic mouthpieces. This one is an especially large example, giving its hallmark sharp and rugged form an even more assertive posture.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating.

Details:

Length: 6.9″ / 175.2mm

Bowl Width: 1.04 / 26.41mm

Bowl Depth: 2.07″ / 52.57mm

Weight: 2.9oz / 84g