Preben Holm Handcut Smooth Freehand Estate Briar Pipe, Danish Estates

Description

Though he would tragically pass away at the age of 42, Preben 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.

Of the Preben Holm pipes that have come across my desk over the years, I was particularly fond of this one. Though it’s a large pipe, it is very “classical” as far as freehand pipes go, with a modesty in shaping that nevertheless upholds the Danish freehand style. It could pass for a kind of Dublin, for example, though one with remarkably good straight grain, as well as the signature Scandinavian plateau rim.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and minor handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 7″ / 177.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.98″ / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 1.93″ / 49.02mm

Weight: 2.6oz / 74g