Stanwell (c.1990s-2009; by Poul Winslow) Queen Smooth Freehand (Estate)

Stanwell is one of Denmark’s most celebrated and enduring pipe companies, having been founded by Poul Nielsen shortly after the second world war. Over the last six decades, Stanwell has established itself as both a leader in innovative Danish design and for producing well-priced pipes with precision construction and engineering. Many of its designs were created for the company by iconic pipe makers in the Scandinavian scene, such as Sixten Ivarsson, Anne Julie, Jess Chonowitsch, and Tom Eltang.

The “Chess” series was one that appeared toward the end of the 20th century, and was something of a revival of freehand pipes within Stanwell’s output. Originally, the task of making them fell to Stanwell’s in-house carvers, but it was later contracted to an artisan by the name of Poul Winsløw. We today know Winsløw as having been one of Denmark’s finest artisans, and one of its most successful. And it is certainly true that Winsløw showed prodigious talents as a freehand carver back when he was Preben Holm’s second in command back when the latter was still making pipes. After Holm’s early retirement and passing, Winslow started his own workshop, but starting afresh—even for someone with Winslow’s talents—is never easy. Luckily for him, Stanwell had its eye on Winslow. Winslow traveled across Europe making Stanwell pipes in real time at shop exhibitions (his sheer speed at carving a high-quality pipe is something to behold) and, when he returned, Stanwell had him make freehand pipes for the company, which were marketed as the Chess series.

The Queen was the second-highest grade awarded to freehands in the Chess series. This one takes the form of a classic freehand Dublin in the Danish Fancy style, with a swirling, flame grained bowl and live plateau rim.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening, finish fading, and a couple of small scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.06″ / 153.9mm

Chamber Width: 0.87″ / 22.09mm

Chamber Depth: 1.25″ / 31.75mm

Bowl Height: 1.93″ / 49.02mm

Weight: 2.0oz / 58g