Ferndown Bark 3 Star, Les Wood Bent Billiard Estate Briar Pipe [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.

No one in England did rustication quite like Les and Dolly Wood. It’s so fine, so consistent, and so tactile – especially on a large, full bent pipe like this one. The shape is a bent billiard, a true English-French classic, with the signature Ferndown ‘Bark’ rustication and a hand-cut cumberland stem. The rim has been left smooth, which Les often did, and it’s a nice extra touch for the overall design.

The condition is near-mint. There might be a little bit of finish fading on the smooth rim, but I see no other imperfections of note. Ferndown owners tend to know how to take good care of a pipe. It’s not like you can just go out and buy another, these days.

 

Details:

Length: 6″

Bowl Width: 22.4mm

Bowl Depth: 1.8″

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g