Ferndown Bark 3 Star Partially Rusticated Panel Brandy with Silver Spigot (Estate)

Ferndown pipes were made by the legendary British pipe making husband and wife duo Leslie “Les” John Wood and Dolly Wood. Both Les and Dolly previously worked for Dunhill, where Les developed his skills and reputation as Britain’s premier pipe silversmith, and Dolly helped perfect the company’s pipe finishing processes. After leaving Dunhill, Les and Dolly began making their own pipes, with their combined knowledge and experience, yielding pipes of a quality that, arguably, exceeded even that of their former employer. Ferndown pipes are highly coveted by pipe smokers due to their superlative craftsman(and woman!)ship, being constructed from high-grade, oil-cured briar, hand cut ebonite, and, in many cases, sterling silver or solid gold ornamentation turned by Les himself. 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.

Though often overlooked in pipe making, rustication is an art unto itself, and few can claim to have demonstrated this fact so successfully as Leslie and Dolly Wood of Ferndown. But as with all arts, it is also one that can be suffered for. The “Barking” technique used to Les and Dolly in crafting their rusticated pipes involved pressing a stummel against a split drill as it span at several hundred RPM, creating an inimitable finish, as well as plenty of digital lacerations. But, as the market for Ferndown’s “Bark” series would show, it was well worth it, as such pipes are among the most coveted by pipe smokers then and now.

This one takes the form of an exceptionally large brandy, incorporating a paneled motif that appeared recurrently in the Woods’ output. Often these panels would be used to segment a mixed finish approach, with Dolly’s keen eye selecting which parts of the briar suited a smooth polish, and which would be “Barked.” As a cherry on top, this pipe is also fitted with a sterling silver spigot mount, turned by Les himself.

The condition is very good. Minor rim darkening, some finish fading, some very small scratches on the bowl, and chamber slightly over-reamed at the innermost lip.

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.86 / 21.84mm

Bowl Depth: 1.71″ / 43.43mm

Weight: 3.1oz / 90g