Ferndown Reo 2 Star Straight Apple 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.

The “Reo” was one of the oldest finishes conceived by Les and Dolly Wood, and in fact predates the Ferndown make itself. It is a very traditional finish, reminiscent in some ways of the older Bruyere finish used by Dunhill, though with Ferndown Reos, you’ll find that the grain quality far exceeds the average mid-century Bruyere. You’ll also find, as is the case with this one, that Ferndown pipes are far larger than most Dunhill pipes, as Les and Dolly simply preferred them that way. This Ferndown is a classic English apple shape, with thick bowl walls, a hand-cut cumberland stem, and an ornate silver band turned by the master silversmith himself.

The condition is excellent. There’s some very minor finish fading on the rim, but the pipe has nonetheless been well looked after by its previous, single owner.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.78 / 19.81mm

Bowl Depth: 1.46″ / 37.08mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g