Preben Holm Britta Bech (5) Extra Large Partially Rusticated Freehand (Estate)

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. Even Herman Lane, owner of Lane Ltd. and Charatan during the 1960s and 1970s, was so impressed by Holm that he contracted the Danish artisan to carve pipes under his newly-acquired Ben Wade make, despite simultaneously stewarding the meteoric rise of English-made freehand pipes through Charatan). Today, Holm’s pipes remain highly sought-after, perhaps even more so than when he was still alive, to the extent that even the historic—and, originally, very English—Ben Wade name is difficult to separate from Holm’s work.

Given that “Bech” is a common Danish surname, I would assume that this particular pipe was made by Preben Holm for a tobacconist or pipe shop of some kind. It certainly wouldn’t be the first example of such—after all, Holm’s big break came from him making pipes for Lon Schwartz’s Pipe Lon in the US. Whatever the case, there’s no denying that it’s a classic Preben Holm pipe. It’s large, rugged, blends an earthy, tactile rustication with panels of rippling flame grain, and is topped with live plateau edge.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim charring and slight handling marks. This pipe comes with its original (slightly time-worn) box and sleeve.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 2.06″ / 52.32mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g