Ferndown Antique Bark, Les Wood Rusticated Canadian Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked [SOLD OUT]

Description

Ferndown pipes were made by the legendary British pipe-maker Leslie ‘Les’ John Wood, along with his wife Dolly. Both Les and Dolly previously worked for Dunhill, where Les developed his skills and reputation as Britain’s premier pipe silversmith, as well as one of its premier pipe carvers. Ferndown pipes are highly coveted by pipe-smokers due to their superlative craftsman(and woman!)ship, whose bowls are oil-cured and which typically feature beautiful silverwork. Sadly, Les and Dolly retired from pipe-making in 2019, making Ferndown pipes rather scarce – especially given how difficult it is to get their owners to part with them.

Given the rarity and the collector-appeal of Ferndown pipes, it was quite a marvel to me that this particular Ferndown is completely unsmoked! But then again, it is also an exceptionally beautiful pipe, so I can sympathize with what I presume was the previous owner’s reluctance to dirty it with fire, smoke, and ash.

As can be seen, it is a large pipe of the classic Canadian shape variety, dressed in the Ferndown ‘Antique Bark’ finish (partially rusticated with a light, tan stain), with an ornate silver ring and a hand-cut cumberland stem. For a pipe of nearly seven inches in length, it is, surprisingly, not too heavy, but Les and Dolly always did use only the best Italian and Spanish briar.

 

Details:

Length: 6.8″

Bowl Width: 21.4mm

Bowl Depth: 1.6″

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g