Preben Holm Private Collection B XL Smooth 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, 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 workshop made many different series and ranges of pipes, with these pipes being in various styles and finishes. Some of these pipes were made by Holm himself, but many were also made by his highly skilled apprentices, such as Poul Winslow. Identifying pipes made by Holm himself is not an easy task, but there are pipes that can be identified with absolute certainly as being Holm’s own work. For his mature period (1970s-1980s), we know that only Holm made his highest-grade pipes, and we know that the 2% of these pipes qualified to be part of Holm’s special “Private Collection” series.

This one is a no-brainer as far as Holm’s prestigious reserve is concerned. Exceptionally large and distinctly floral, it makes excellent use of the briar’s natural grain, while also holding back a little as regards its live plateaux edge, adding a touch of the rugged without pushing it too far. Dressed in a deep, golden contrast finish, this sturdy sitter also includes an ebonite mount leading to its ornate, hand-shaped ebonite mouthpiece.

The condition is very good. Minor handling marks and slight finish fading.

Details:

Length: 7.2″ / 182.8mm

Bowl Width: 1.05 / 26.67mm

Bowl Depth: 1.92″ / 48.76mm

Weight: 3.3oz / 96g