Preben Holm Regal Large Smooth Freehand Sitter 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.

I’ll admit that I sometimes find it hard to keep up with all of the pipe series Preben Holm put out during his (sadly very short) lifetime. But I don’t think I’ve ever disagreed with the naming conventions used. In this case, “Regal” seems entirely inappropriate, but because the pipe is exquisitely cut to reveal the straight grain and bird’s-eye patterns of the briar underneath, but because it does have a curious side profile that almost resembles a crown. It is also fitting that the pipe is a sitter, so this profile is likely to be a prominent fixture on the desk or mantelpiece of its next owner – while it isn’t being smoked, of course.

The condition is excellent. There’s a very small amount of darkening on the inner lip of the rim, but nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 7.2″ / 182.8mm

Bowl Width: 1.01 / 25.65mm

Bowl Depth: 1.55″ / 39.37mm

Weight: 2.9oz / 84g