Edward’s XL Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

While it has, at times, contracted other parties to produce pipes under its name, Edward’s used to manufacture both pipes and tobacco of its own, with a view to becoming the “American Charatan” for the former. The brand was a pioneer for American freehand pipes in this way, with its employed carvers including the great Randy Wiley. This particular pipe looks to be from around the 1960s-1970s, back when Edward’s prided itself on using choice Algerian briar (which the Algerian war of independence later interrupted the supply of) which was specially oil-cured and very lightly finished.

This is another example of one of Edward’s seemingly Danish-inspired pieces, though again it has that especial American edge to it that one finds in the nascent stateside freehand scene. The pipe is a large poker-Dublin hybrid, with a fluted, star-like motif carved around the bowl, featuring a long, ornate stem and matching acrylic army mount.

The condition is good. Some inner rim charring, minor scratches around the bowl, and slight handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6.9″ / 175.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.92 / 23.36mm

Bowl Depth: 1.60″ / 40.64mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g