Ferndown Antique Bark 2 Star Panel Dublin, Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

Ferndown pipes were made by the legendary British pipe-maker Leslie ‘Les’ John Wood, along with his wife Dolly. Both Les and Dolly previously worked for Dunhill, where Les developed his skills and reputation as Britain’s premier pipe silversmith, as well as one of its premier pipe carvers. Ferndown pipes are highly coveted by pipe-smokers due to their superlative craftsman(and woman!)ship, whose bowls are oil-cured and which typically feature beautiful silverwork. Sadly, Les and Dolly retired from pipe-making in 2016, making Ferndown pipes rather scarce – especially given how difficult it is to get their owners to part with them.

The Ferndown ‘Antique’ finish is the a tan version of Les & Dolly Wood’s signature rustication. Like the dark brown ‘Bark,’ it is a hand-worked, micro-rusticated finish with a smooth polished rim, but unlike the Bark, its lighter stain allows it to develop a warm patina over time, somewhat like Dunhill’s Tanshell pipes. This Antique is another familiar Ferndown, being a fairly large and broad Dublin with a Zulu-esque quarter-bend. This particular Dublin, however, is also paneled, giving it a distinct aesthetic and hand-feel. Completing the design are an ornate collar fashioned by Les Wood himself, and a hand cut cumberland stem.

The condition is great. There are some minor handling marks and a little inner rim darkening, but these are superficial imperfections. The stem is free from bite marks and the nomenclature remains wonderfully crisp.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.94 / 23.87mm

Bowl Depth: 1.85″ / 46.99mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g