Questions About Been Wade Special Collection

[shanez]

I'm looking at getting a nice set of Ben Wade pipes but I don't know much about them. This appears to be a 2 piece collection of Danish made pipes. Does anyone have any idea of about when they might have been made, the carver, etc?
Here's some pictures:

I see some large variances in Ben Wade pipes and any information on why would be greatly appreciated as well.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Being a Special Collection, Preben Holm likely carved those.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I see some large variances in Ben Wade pipes and any information on why would be greatly appreciated as well.

Asking specifically about the Danish period, or all iterations?

 

[shanez]

Just the Danish period to keep things simple.
I see lots of Danish Ben Wade pipes in the mid to upper $100s but then I see some marked as Preben Holm for much more than that but these also look like much more unique/exotic carvings.
Is it the carving or the name driving the price?
Also, I'm under the impression Preben Holm had a number of carvers working for him. If so, how can one tell if he carved a pipe vs someone working under his direction?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Is it the carving or the name driving the price?

A little of both.
Also, I'm under the impression

Preben Holm had a number of carvers working for him. If so, how can one tell if he carved a pipe vs someone working under his direction?

In most cases you can't. Holm's pieces will sometimes be stamped with his name but not always. Winslow's work will be stamped with a "W". I've never paid more than $80 for a Wade or a Holm including this Holm and it was unsmoked.

 

[4etecjonathan]

That's a Winslow under direct design by Preben. Very HARD to find set!!
Jon :puffpipe: