Ben Wade Majestic Sandblasted Bent Brandy Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

While Ben Wade was a historic British pipe brand, for a time during the 1970s, production of Ben Wade pipes was contracted out to one of Danish pipe-making’s superstars: Preben Holm. Though he would tragically pass away at the age of 42, 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 well as they smoked. Owing to Holm’s untimely passing, his pipes are even more highly sought after than they were during his lifetime.

I knew this was a Preben Holm as soon as I saw it. Though it isn’t as rugged and rocky as many of his creations, there is something about the unique combination of design elements that reminds me very much of Holm’s approach to his more conservative shapes. It’s such an interesting mixture; a brandy bowl, a shank as long as a lumberman, and a craggy, ring grain sandblast.

Though it’s large and long, it isn’t especially heavy, at little over 2 ounces. The condition is also surprisingly good for a Holm pipe, with its finish still strong, blast still crisp, and stem free of dents or abrasions.

 

Details:

Length: 7″

Bowl Width: 23.3mm

Bowl Depth: 1.9″

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g