Jacobean Original by Les Wood Smooth Apple Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

The “Jacobean” was one of the first pipes created by Leslie Wood and Dolly Wood after both had left Dunhill. In fact, the Jacobean was conceived so early into Les & Dolly’s independent careers that it was manufactured under the umbrella of L&JS Silverware (Leslie’s private silversmithing company) rather than L&JS Briars, which came a few years later, along with the Ferndown make. By this point, the Jacobean, as well as a number of other early L&JS makes, had been retired.

As discussed in our interview with Les (https://www.mbsdpipes.com/from-dunhill-to-ferndown-an-interview-with-les-wood/), there were a number of reasons why this happened. For one thing, “Jacobean” turned out to be far from ideal a name for American customers who, as Les tells it, couldn’t even pronounce the word, let alone understand its significance within the history of the British monarchy. After having limited success with the Jacobean, Les & Dolly decided they wanted a fresh start, and to “up their game” to properly capture the high-end pipe market. While Jacobean pipes were, like the Ferndowns that succeeded them, all hand made, using oil-cured stummels and silverware turned by Les, they were nonetheless subject to the kinds of manufacturing constraints that every newer pipe maker experiences. The briar used to make them was not quite the same grade used for Ferndown smooths (Les & Dolly had not ventured into rusticated finishes yet), which meant the occasional fill was required for superficial flaws. The vulcanite stems used for the Jacobean were also pre-formed, rather than hand-cut, as a time saving measure. Still, Jacobeans were generally very beautiful, very English pipes, leagues beyond the “early works” of many a budding artisan.

This one is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. It also comes with its original box (which is a little time-worn) and original sleeve.

On a last note, I’m categorizing the Jacobeans I have under both “Ferndown” and “Jacobean,” just so they’re easier to find.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.41″ / 35.81mm

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g