Ferndown Reo 3 Star Smooth Panel Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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 2016, making Ferndown pipes rather scarce – especially given how difficult it is to get their owners to part with them.

Les Wood’s portfolio leans strongly toward traditional Anglo-French shapes, but there are also times when his designs are a little more playful. This panel is a good example of that. What at first looks to be a very classical foursquare, i.e., panel billiard, soon shows itself to be something quite different. Like the foursquare, the pipe features a square shank and a bowl shape oriented around four large side panels, yet whereas the foursquare has the latter connected by four more panels at each of its corners, here we find the sides of the bowl separated from one another by way of fluting. This adds an extra element of depth to the overall look and feel of the pipe, in a way evocative of forms of architecture. I remember Les telling me once that design was one of his weaknesses when it came to pipe making. I think he was being a little too modest there.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening and finish fading, and one small, superficial nick in the pipe’s cumberland stem.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.67″ / 42.41mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g