Elwood (Ferndown) Rusticated Zulu w/ Silver Spigot 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.

A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet and a Ferndown Bark by any other name would still be just as nice a pipe. After all, that’s what this is, and even Dan Pipe (distributor for Elwood pipes) used the “Bark” finish name. In typical Ferndown style, this one is a stout take on a classic shape, the Zulu, including Les Wood’s superlative silversmithing. In the case of the latter, this one features a sterling silver spigot mount, something not as common on Ferndown/Elwood pipes as one might like, but which is always warmly welcomed.

The condition is very good. Some minor wear to the rim and slight residual stem oxidation, but the pipe does not appear to have been smoked much at all. As it was made for the German market, it is chambered to allow for the use of 9mm filters if desired.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.64″ / 41.65mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g