Ferndown Bark Les Wood Straight Billiard Tobacco Pipe

Description

Les Wood was a master carver and Silversmith for Alfred Dunhill pipes. His work is legendary and clean, unsmoked pipes by him rarely come on the market.

This pipe is a beautiful billiard with a Sterling Silver cuff where the stem meets the shank. This pipe has never been smoked and is in like-new condition. The bottom of the shank is stamped "Ferndown Bark", "Hand Made in England" and "Les Wood". Like most of his work, this Ferndown pipe come in a “Bark” finish — a richly rusticated texture that highlights the natural grain of the briar.

The pipe you see is the pipe you get. This pipe came to us from a private collection, and where necessary, has been expertly restored by a local craftsman. This pipe has not been previously smoked. Because it has been pre-owned, the price is drastically reduced compared to what this pipe would cost new (assuming that you could even find it). We stand behind these pipes; if you ever have an issue, return it to us for repair or refund. Note: Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.

The Legacy of Les Wood and Ferndown Tobacco Pipes

In the world of handcrafted smoking pipes, few names evoke the reverence and admiration reserved for Les Wood’s Ferndown creations. These pipes represent a unique chapter in English pipe-making history: the revival of classic, artisanal craftsmanship rooted in tradition, individuality, and expert metalwork.

Leslie “Les” Wood was an accomplished craftsman whose career began in the distinguished workshops of Alfred Dunhill Ltd., where he served as a master silversmith and carver for nearly two decades. His work at Dunhill — a brand long associated with the gold standard in English pipes — informed his meticulous approach to design and finish, especially his skill with silver bands and mountings.

After leaving Dunhill, Wood struck out on his own to form his own brands, most notably Ferndown, which took its name from the estate where he lived and worked. The Ferndown line grew as part of Wood’s broader output, which also appeared under names like L. Wood or L. & J.S. Briars, particularly in different geographical markets such as Germany or the USA.

What sets Ferndown pipes apart is the harmonious blend of traditional English pipe-making techniques with the artistic flair Wood brought from his silversmith background. Made primarily from high-grade Italian and Spanish plateau briar, these pipes are oil-cured in a fashion reminiscent of classic Dunhill and Ashton treatments — yet with nuances that many aficionados describe as proprietary to Wood’s hand. The result is a smooth, pleasant smoke with a characteristic slightly nutty flavor that seasoned smokers appreciate.

Aesthetically, most Ferndown pipes come in a “Bark” finish — a richly rusticated texture that highlights the natural grain of the briar and adds visual depth and tactile interest. Smaller portions of production feature smooth finishes like Reo (reddish) or Root (natural), offering variety for collectors and smokers alike. The stems are expertly cut from high-quality German ebonite (vulcanite), known for its durability and comfortable feel in the mouth.

An unmistakable hallmark of Ferndown models is the silver trimming — bands or ferrules that reflect Wood’s heritage as a silversmith. These adornments aren’t merely decorative; they serve as structural reinforcements and visual signatures of Ferndown quality.

Production of Ferndown pipes has always been limited, with estimates ranging from several hundred to around two thousand pipes annually (when including other Wood brands). This constrained output has helped cement the brand’s reputation as artisan, rather than mass-produced, and has contributed to the pipes’ desirability among collectors and dedicated pipe smokers.

Today, vintage and estate Ferndown pipes are often sought after not just for their smoking qualities, but for their craftsmanship and connection to a pivotal era in English pipe-making — one that bridges traditional methods with personal artistry. Whether appreciated for daily smoking or as collectible tobacciana, Ferndown pipes remain a testament to Les Wood’s skill and enduring legacy.