Preben Holm Hand Cut XXL 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 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, 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.

Preben Holm’s pipes tended to be on the large side, though this one goes beyond even his usual approach to proportions. At nearly 8 inches in length and with a similarly sizeable bowl, this is one hefty Holm, which makes the graining on said bowl even more impressive. Circled by straight grain patterns, all of which are lit up by a golden contrast finish, the style and quality are as expected from the master of the Danish Fancy, including in its bursts of live plateaux edge at both ends.

The condition is good. Some minor inner rim darkening and finish fading. There does appear to be a fill at the end of the shank (pictured), though by the way it blends with the finish of the rest of the bowl, it looks original to the pipe. It’s not something I would worry about but I would be remiss if I did not mention it.

Details:

Length: 7.8″ / 198.1mm

Bowl Width: 1.04 / 26.41mm

Bowl Depth: 1.91″ / 48.51mm

Weight: 2.9oz / 84g