Preben Holm Fancy Matt XL Smooth Freehand 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 looked just as good as they smoked. Owing to Holm’s untimely passing, his pipes are even more highly sought after than they were during his lifetime.

While it seems strange for those of us who are accustomed to these pipes “freehands,” they were, back in the early days, referred to as “fancy” or “Danish fancy.” Hence this Preben Holm, with its extravagant, twisting freeform figure, carries the name of “Fancy,” along with the “Matt” finish designation. Whatever we want to call it, this is a tremendous pipe, not least due to its near-magnum proportions. It’s a good thing it’s a sitter, too, as its two inch deep by nearly one inch wide chamber promises hours of enjoyment per bowl.

The condition is great. Minor inner rim darkening.

 

Details:

Length: 7.5″ / 190.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.95 / 24.13mm

Bowl Depth: 2.08″ / 52.83mm

Weight: 3.9oz / 113g