Ben Wade Pipe

[sparrowhawk]

I recently made arrangments to purchase a Wade pipe with mixed smooth and rusticated briar, but could not get all the historical details of the pipe before they brought the posting down. I did see the name of Holm mentioned. On the flimsy info, can anyone tell me anything, even speculate, about this pipe? (I read the Pipepidia entry.) BTW, I'm getting the pipe for well under $100.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Looks to be a Martinique or Amber. Partially blasted and definitely from the Danish era. You can often find Danish Wades under $100, none of mine were over $80.

 

[snagstangl]

I think the ben wade pipedia page explains it very well. Ben Wades of that era made in denmark were made by Preben Holm.

 

[sparrowhawk]

What "ere" is Holm? He died rather early. Also, the pipe is indeed an Amber. Well spotted!

 

[bnichols23]

About early 70s-mid-80s. That's definitely an early PH-carved pipe, not even one of the more or less "standard" general common BW shapes from 75-9. Any time you can get a handmade PH in truly good shape for under a C-note, jump on it!
Bill

 

[Chasing Embers]

Also, the pipe is indeed an Amber. Well spotted!

The stem color gave it away. I got one from pipestud a few years back.

Danish era Ben Wade pipes all came from Holm's workshop though not all were carved by him. Some were carved by his assistants such as Poul Winslöw.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Thanks for refreshing my memory, diminished because of the crazy season. It was mentioned as being made in the seventies, I believe, and I think Holm was mentioned as the maker. I came across this pipe purely by accident while looking at Etsy, and couldn't believe the price for such an attractive, large chambered pipe, so I did some negotiating to delay payment. 2018 was The Year in Hell for me, as Bill knows, so I thought I could get this pipe next year before 3 watchers snapped it up, as a consolation prize for surviving this year. Bill, I must say under his protest, was vital in helping me make it through the year.
I'm gonna go re-read Dante's Inferno now. Gorgeous pipe, btw, Embers, and quite similar to the Amber on layaway for me. Thanks for all the info, gents, and I hope a loving spouse leaves a pipe under your tree this year.

 

[Chasing Embers]

You're in for a great pipe Fred. May even make you want another Wade.

 

[sparrowhawk]

You can bet I'll showcase the Amber when it arrives. As for getting another, I'll have to take up a life of crime before I can do that.

 

[bnichols23]

You're in for a great pipe Fred. May even make you want another Wade.

Couldn't agree with Duane more, but as always I have to admit a particular fondness for BWs from the Danish era.
It's very true that a great many of the BWs came from Preben's carvers & not him personally. If you look at the ones on various auction sites pretty soon it hits you how so many of them look very much the same, the Walnuts in particular -- smooth finish, non-plateau rims, with a little dip in the front/back, gentle curves, etc. Ambers not as much, & the more wildly carved & oldest ones would very likely be either Holm himself or *maybe* Winslow.