Monte Verdi (Preben Holm) Deluxe Flair Grain XXL Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

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 looked just as good as they smoked. Owing to Holm’s untimely passing, his pipes are even more highly sought after than they were during his lifetime. Though his career was relatively short, especially compared to some of his peers, Holm worked under numerous brands, both under contract from other companies (such as Charatan’s Ben Wade and Dunhill’s Harcourt) and, seemingly, for his own purposes. Along with Rungsted, Frastorteret, Wengholt, and others, Monte Verdi was an example of the latter.

Preben Holm’s personal sub-brands tended to be a little different in style to his usual freehand output. Some took on forms that were more conservative than the “Danish Fancy” freehands he was best known for, while others wore atypical finishes. This one, from the Monte Verdi sub-brand, remains close to Holm’s signature aesthetic, but it also pushes the boundaries of the Fancy even further than his pipes normally would. The result is something that is distinctly freeform, with a slight protrusion of live plateaux edge at the base of the bowl, which allows the pipe to stand up on its front face.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening and finish fading.

Details:

Length: 7.5″ / 190.5mm

Bowl Width: 1.01 / 25.65mm

Bowl Depth: 1.80″ / 45.72mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 62g