Ferndown by Les Wood Root 2 Star Bent Brandy 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 2019, making Ferndown pipes rather scarce – especially given how difficult it is to get their owners to part with them.

This Ferndown comes to us through our commission program, and while I hate to see a pipe like this leave my desk, I couldn’t be happier with its quality and condition. It’s a typically muscular bent brandy from Les and Dolly Wood, dressed in the natural, Root finish used on only a fraction of Ferndown pipes. The pipe wears one of Les Wood’s signature silver collars, and is completed by a hand-cut cumberland stem.

As mentioned, the condition is remarkable, and near-mint. While it has been very lightly smoked, you wouldn’t know it from looking at it. It has been looked after extremely well by its consignor.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.74 / 18.79mm

Bowl Depth: 1.56″ / 39.62mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g