Ferndown Reo 2 Star Large Smooth Lovat w/ Silver 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. 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.

The Lovat is a remarkably uncommon shape within the Ferndown portfolio. There are plenty of bulldogs and Rhodesians, Dublins and billiards, and a few Canadians, too. But I think I can count the number of Ferndown Lovats I’ve encountered on around one hand—and I say that as a collector of L&JS Briars of various stripes. It’s even rarer, given that it bears the smooth polished Ferndown Reo finish, whereas 90% of Ferndown pipes were rusticated (“Barked” as Les and Dolly say). The tight-knit bird’s-eye on its bowl is a clear indication of why.
Of course, this being a Lovat turned by Les, it nevertheless bears the hallmarks of his style. It is a large and undeniably stout rendition of the classic shape, and not one easily mistaken for the work of anyone else. It also bears his maker’s mark—not just in the nomenclature on the briar but also on the pipe’s silver collar, which Les always turned and fitted himself.

The condition is very good. Chamber slightly over-reamed and minor handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.47″ / 37.33mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g