Preben Holm Hand Cut (2) XL 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 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.

Preben Holm’s pipes tended toward large, imposing designs (though not without a great beauty to them as well), though this stature was, typically, most prominent in the sheer height and explosive breadth. It’s much less common, therefore, to find one that could reasonably be referred to as a “demi-warden,” especially on his main-brand pipes (there are some exceptions, such as the atypically long and slender Wengholt pieces he made). At around 8 inches in length, this one is quite distinct, even for a pipe maker whose works were all, essentially, unique. The bowl is still a classic “Danish Fancy” freehand in the vein Holm helped pioneer, with excellent plateaux grain chased by the furls and furrows applied during its carving, but it is nonetheless enjoyably unusual for a pipe of its kind.<P

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim darkening and a few small scratches on the bowl. This pipe comes with its original (slightly time-worn) box.

Details:

Length: 8.1″ / 205.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.62″ / 41.14mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g