Ben Wade Martinique Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

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 good as they smoked. Owing to Holm’s untimely passing, his pipes are even more highly sought after than they were during his lifetime.

Given the style of pipe Preben Holm was associated with, it’s easy to forget how versatile he and his apprentices were when it came to pipe shapes. Some Holms are rough and rugged war-clubs, while others are more traditional, featuring more restrained and elegant forms. This Martinique is, to my eyes, squarely in the middle of those two extremities. It does have the bold, assertive profile of Holm’s signature freehand style, it also has a softer, supple quality, is slightly smaller (but by no means small), and even foregoes the typical inclusion of briar plateau in its composition. It also shows off some impressive straight grain, though that’s hardly surprising from someone of Holm’s stature.

The condition is great. Some very slight, inner rim darkening and what looks to be a minor, superficial briar flaw at the bowl’s front. I’ve included a photo, but you really have to go looking for it to find it.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.24″ / 31.49mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g