Preben Holm Crown Matt Freehand Sitter 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 also happened to be exceptional smokers. Holm’s work was so popular, in fact, that he not only put out pipes under numerous makes (such as Wengholt, Monte Verdi, and Rungsted), but was also contracted by pipe shops and companies around the world to make pipes for them. Dunhill had Holm produce pipes for the Harcourt make, and Lane Ltd.’s Charatan had him make Ben Wade pipes, at a time when Charatan itself was already at the pinnacle of its freehand output. All of this was achieved in the span of around 25 years, before Holm’s untimely passing, and his pipes remain firm favorites among casual pipe smokers and die-hard collectors to this day.

The Crown was one of the flagship series of Preben Holm pipes, one whose influence is felt today not only in the enduring popularity of Holm’s pipes, but also in the series of pipes of the same name made by his protégé, Poul Winslow. The Crown Matt was a slight variation on the Crown itself, wearing—as many of Holm’s pipes did—more of a matte finish, though one that still clearly showed off the brilliant, natural grain patterns underneath. This example is an especially large freehand from the Crown Matt subseries but perhaps lucky, at least for those who aren’t inclined to hold it for the full duration that its wide chamber promises, it is also a sitter, making for a more easy going smoking experience (and giving the pipe an even more ornamental aesthetic).

The condition is great. Minor rim darkening and some slight scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 7.1″ / 180.3mm

Bowl Width: 1.04 / 26.41mm

Bowl Depth: 1.56″ / 39.62mm

Weight: 2.9oz / 84g