Edward’s XL Spot Carved Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

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 an example of one of those pipes, and a rather large one at that. With its freeform shaping and spot carved finish, I’d think of it as more Scandi-American than American Charatan, though that doesn’t stop it from being a typically excellent pipe from the heyday of a great American make.

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

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.99 / 25.14mm

Bowl Depth: 1.79″ / 45.46mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g