Ben Wade (Preben Holm) Martinique Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

Like so many of Preben Holm’s lines, I’m not entirely sure what the Martinique was within the freehand master’s portfolio, nor indeed how it got its name. The ones I’ve seen do tend to be brighter in finish than many of Holm’s pipes, so perhaps the name was a reference to the Caribbean island and its sunny climate. I’ve also seen advertisements featuring the Martinique line, and compared to Ben Wade’s other, contemporaneous offerings, it was certainly on the more expensive side of things. Looking at this one, I wouldn’t mind paying that premium at all. The straight grain is marvelous, and the warm stain makes it even better. Perhaps best of all, this Ben Wade, made under Preben Holm’s stewardship, is unsmoked. It is remarkably uncommon to come across an unsmoked Preben Holm, under the Ben Wade or indeed under his own. Something about them just begs to be filled with a bowl of one’s favorite blend. And when they do turn up, they’re not here for long.

As stated, this pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating.

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.91 / 23.11mm

Bowl Depth: 1.69″ / 42.92mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 62g