Harcourt (Preben Holm) C Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Though he would tragically pass away at the age of 42, Preben Holm was one of the pioneering figures in the “Danish design” movement in 20th century pipe making—a movement that still dominates the high-grade pipe scene. By hand-shaping his pipes on a belt sander, Holm was able to make the most of the patterns of grain hidden within briar, creating spectacular works of pipe art that were also sturdy, solid smokers.

Naturally, major pipe companies outside of Denmark sought to capitalize on the success of figures like Holm in their own back yard, which led to them contracting Holm to make pipes under the various brands they owned. Herman Lane is one notable example, transforming Ben Wade from what had otherwise been a Charatan sub-brand (and a historic British pipe company before then) into a thoroughly Danish make with the help of Holm’s workshop. Dunhill did much the same with Harcourt, another English make previously it had previously acquired (along with Parker, Hardcastle, and others), which became a vehicle for distributing Danish freehands in markets where Alfred Dunhill Ltd. already had a strong foothold. This is where Holm, along with other Danes like Erik Nording, came in.

This one looks to be an example of Holm’s handiwork, taking the form of an exceptionally large, straight grain freeehand apple, complete with live plateaux briar at both ends.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and some scratches around the bowl (pictured).

Details:

Length: 7.1″ / 180.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 1.91″ /48.51mm

Weight: 3.1oz /88g