Elwood (by Ferndown) Bark Bulldog w/Silver Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates 9mm

Description

Les Wood and Dolly Wood both began their careers in pipes working for Dunhill, with Les working in the silver mounting department, and Dolly working in the finishing department. While at Dunhill, both learned the fundamentals of making pipes, and after marrying and leaving the company, the two began to create pipes of their own. This led to the creation of L&JS Briars and, ultimately, the “Ferndown” make. It didn’t take long for the Ferndown name to become associated with some of the best British handmade pipes around, but when Dan Pipe approached the Woods about importing their pipes to Germany, a problem arose. As Les told us (see the MBSD interview with him for more), Dan Pipe’s management thought that German speakers would not be able to pronounce “Ferndown,” so “Elwood” (as in “L. Wood”) was eventually settled on as a substitute.

Much like the pipes Les and Dolly Wood made for Astleys, Elwood pipes are essentially Ferndown pipes by another name. This means that their finishes are equivalent to the latter and, even though they did not bear the equivalent stamping, the standard Ferndown terminology was used in Dan Pipe’s advertising. This particular Elwood is essentially a Ferndown “Bark,” taking the form of a traditional, stout bent bulldog, with an engraved, 10mm sterling silver collar turned by the master silversmith himself.

The condition is great. Some slight inner rim darkening. As it was originally destined for the German market, the pipe is chambered to accommodate 9mm filters of all varieties, or indeed a reducer/adapter should the next owner prefer unfiltered use.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.48″ / 37.59mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g