The "Private Collection" pipes are Preben Holm's most coveted pieces. They were crafted by the artisan himself from the late 1970's to the end of his career in 1986.
"PREBEN HOLM"
(Block letters or signature)
Additional stampings
"/ PRIVATE COLLECTION"
Gradings
(Letter and /or x0x)
"HAND MADE IN DENMARK"
C5
The stampings on the shanks are always displayed in the same order (see right). Information in white is systematically stamped, the one in grey is optional.
"Additional stampings" may sometimes occur under the carver's name (ie: "Traditional", "Fancy", "9m/m", ...)
The "C5" stamping appears on pipes distributed in the USA by CAO who took over distribution from Lane Ltd. in 1985. This distinguishing stamping was to avoid warranty issues with pipes that were not of CAO's distribution.
Gradings: The early Private Collection series were graded with 4 letters (ascending): A, B, C and D. Those letters may be encircled (older markings) or not.
x0x grading system | 101 | 202 | 404 | 606 | 808 |
Early letter grading system | A | B | C | ? | D |
Later, a "x0x" 5 tiers grading system was introduced (ascending): 101, 202, 404, 606 and 808.
Letter and x0x systems may coexist on the same pipe.