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Regarding pipe smoking, enthusiasts understand the significance of choosing a suitable pipe. Peterson pipes have long been revered for their quality, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
Our navigation will take us on a journey into Peterson’s history, craftsmanship, and the patents that make these pipes stand out. So, come along as we explore Peterson’s pipes and closely examine their nine models. There’s something for everyone in the Peterson family of pipes — from the novice to the seasoned enthusiast.
The Peterson Legacy: A Pipe Smoking Tradition Since 1865
In 1874, German immigrant Frederick Kapp relocated his pipe retail business from London to Dublin, Ireland. The move comes a year after receiving recognition at the 1873 London International Exhibition. In Dublin, he established a new tobacco and pipe shop. Mr. Kapp crafted and sold pipes made from Meerschaum and the relatively new material, briar root. Within the same year, he hired Charles Peterson, a young Latvian immigrant and woodworker, to help with production and repairs.
By 1896, Peterson had earned two gold medals at the International Tobacco Trades Exhibition in London for “Best Finished Pipe” and “Best Patent Pipe.” Charles Peterson and Frederick’s son, Alfred Henry, had transformed the small pipe shop and smoking lounge into a burgeoning international export factory. They introduced their patented System Pipe and a range of other classic designs. Today, enthusiasts are still captivated by Peterson’s attention to detail and unique pipes.
Classic Shapes and Iconic Designs
One of the most famous Peterson shapes is the “Mark Twain,” a bent Billiard that pays homage to the great American author. Another notable, classic shape is the “Sherlock Holmes,” introduced in 1987. It was a special commemorative pipe in honor of the 100th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet. The story was first published in the November 1887 Beeton’s Christmas Annual issue.
Peterson pipes are renowned for their classic shapes and iconic designs. Whether you’re a fan of the timeless Billiard, a stout and compact Bulldog, or a refined Prince shape, there’s a Peterson pipe to suit your taste and budget. The straight grains, impeccable finishes, and gold medals showcase the brand’s unwavering dedication to producing pipes of exceptional quality.
These pipes are a testament to Peterson’s ability to capture the essence of iconic figures and translate them into functional pipes.
The Peterson System: A Revolutionary Design
When you spend 15 years making and repairing pipes, you can learn a lot about pipes. And that’s exactly what Charles Peterson did with the knowledge he gained. The Peterson System Pipe can be divided into three hallmarks and patents:
- An army mount — not exclusively Kapp & Peterson, but essential on a System pipe.
- The internal reservoir to collect moisture from the smoke (patented in 1890) and
- A graduated bore, P-Lip mouthpiece (patented in 1894 and 1898).
Let’s take a closer look at each component below.
The Army Mount
An army mount reinforces the pipe’s mortise, traditionally a weak point, with a metal band, preventing wood damage from moisture or temperature. This design typically pairs with a tapered tenon, allowing easy pipe disassembly and cleaning during smoking without mortise risk.
Often, you can recognize a Peterson pipe by its sterling silver bands and spigots. Apart from adding beauty to the pipe, it also exudes sophistication and elegance. These silver elements serve as eye-catching accents and reinforce the pipe’s durability. The silver-mounted Peterson pipes are a hallmark of quality and craftsmanship. Many collectors and connoisseurs seek these pipes to add to their collections.
The Internal Reservoir
In 1890, Charles patented a groundbreaking design titled A particular new and valuable improvement in Tobacco-Pipes. This innovation aimed to remove moisture from the smoke, enhancing the tobacco’s flavor. Peterson continued to refine this design over the next eight years.
Charles Peterson’s 1890 patent introduced the iconic internal drilling in System pipes. It looks like an elongated S.
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t collect saliva but cools and removes moisture from the smoke. It consists of a higher draft hole and a condensation chamber below. The design has remained unchanged since 1890, giving Peterson’s pipes their sturdy, muscular appearance. Today, this design is still found in System pipes.
The P-Lip Mouthpiece
The P-Lip bit in System Pipes generates mixed opinions, with some Peterson fans endorsing it and others opposing it. The P-Lip mouthpiece, though controversial, is a fundamental part of Charles Peterson’s original System concept. It was among his final System patents and played a critical role in the pipe’s functionality, along with the graduated bore mouthpiece.
Charles Peterson’s original System pipe patents (1894) featured a button with a centered small aperture. Despite the System’s efficiency, Charles tinkered and improved it even more. 1898, he filed his final patent, which saw the button integrate better with the overall System. The improved design, although unconventional, was threefold:
- it featured a half-dome shape with a 1.55mm aperture
- it was positioned at an upward angle along the top of the bit and
- it was designed for comfort.
Let’s look at these in more detail:
- It addressed the issue of tongue bite by directing the smoke upward toward the mouth’s roof, preventing direct contact with the tongue.
- The smaller, angled opening of the P-Lip dispersed the smoke’s flavor more evenly across the palate’s numerous taste buds, enhancing the perception of tobacco flavors.
- The P-Lip’s unique shape prioritized comfort, providing a natural resting place for the tongue while clenching the pipe.
While writing this post, I am smoking a pipe and clenching it between my teeth as ideas pop into my head (I need both hands free to type; don’t judge me). And yes, I am smoking a classic Peterson System pipe; thank you for wondering about one of my favorite pipes!
The Peterson System introduced a new world of flavors to pipe smokers and remains a sought-after design among pipe enthusiasts. It is also a testament to Peterson’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. If you want to learn more about the Peterson System, click here. If you need help with how to smoke and maintain it, this guide presents an excellent overview.
Peterson Pipes Today: A Legacy of Quality
The Peterson factory in Dublin, Ireland, is the world’s oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory. Peterson’s enduring commitment to excellence, continuous search for improvement, and use of traditional techniques alongside modern ones set them apart. Today, Peterson pipes are celebrated for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Since Peterson’s establishment, they have catered to a diverse clientele. They provide various tiers tailored to different preferences and budget considerations. You can be assured of finding a quality pipe at a price that suits your pocket.
Navigating the Peterson Pipe Range
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For every smoker, there’s a Peterson pipe that will meet their needs. From basic entry-level pipes to high-end, limited-edition pieces, there’s a Peterson pipe waiting to meet you. Let’s explore some of the key categories within the Peterson pipe range.
House Pipes
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Oversized shapes have been part of the Peterson catalog since 1896. The House Pipe range continues this tradition by featuring several extra-large designs that embody Peterson’s iconic House Style. These designs boast robust proportions, spacious fire holes, and lavish sterling silver accents.
Peterson’s house pipes are designed to provide excellent value for pipe smokers looking for a reliable and affordable option. These pipes are often considered entry-level, making them perfect for those new to pipe smoking. While they may be more budget-friendly, they reflect Peterson’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. They are available in various finishes and tiers to cater to different preferences and aspirations.
System Pipes
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Peterson’s 1890 patent introduced a unique system for briar pipes, including a higher draft hole and a moisture reservoir in the shank and transition. Over the next eight years, Charles continued to refine this System, obtaining patents for a graduated bore mouthpiece in 1891 and a distinctive button design known as the P-Lip from 1894 to 1898. The System was designed to draw moisture away from the smoke, reduce tongue bite, and extend the pipe’s lifespan. Peterson’s complete System patent marked the beginning of an innovative tradition still upheld today.
The System Pipe is the foundation of Peterson’s distinctive House Style, characterized by muscular shanks, transitions, tubular profiles, and generous bends. This shaping style has retained its antique form for over 120 years.
Within the System range, one can find a variety of shapes and finishes, all incorporating Charles Peterson’s groundbreaking advancements in tobacco pipes. Whether you’re a novice pipe enthusiast or a seasoned collector, there are numerous options to suit individual preferences, all carrying the legacy of Peterson’s craftsmanship.
Speciality Pipes
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Before you storm my house with pitchforks and torches, Peterson uses UK spelling conventions so I will stick with ‘speciality’ instead of ‘specialty.’ Sorry, but sometimes we must put up with the Brits and their strange spelling conventions. Or, maybe they are still angry because they weren’t invited to that famous Tea Party in 1773 or because Noah Webster dropped ‘extra’ vowels when he compiled his dictionary. Who knows…
Back to the Peterson Speciality Pipes. A notable deviation from the robust and muscular design often associated with their portfolio, the Specialty line introduces a collection of smaller and lighter shapes, including the Barrel, Tankard, Calabash, and Belgique. Peterson established this line in 1945, and continues to enjoy popularity among enthusiasts to the present day.
Classic Pipes
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The Classic range features pipes that are not part of the System line. These pipes are designed to be affordable for any smoker. Instead of limiting production to a couple of lines, Peterson offers a wide array of styles, shapes, and finishes within these entry-level series. This includes traditional navy mounts with flush-fitting stems, P-Lip mouthpieces, and army mounts, ensuring there’s a pipe that suits every smoker’s taste.
Premium Classic Pipes
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The Premium Classic range takes Peterson’s Classic lines to new heights. It is designed for the discerning tastes of experienced smokers. These pipes are distinguished by the addition of gleaming sterling silver accents. The silver trimmings are meticulously shaped and applied by Peterson’s most experienced silversmiths.
A silversmith apprenticeship at Peterson Company lasts between five and eight years under the watchful eye of a master artisan. These silversmiths are some of the most talented in the world. Their level of mastery is so refined that each silver fitting carries the artisan’s subtle imprint while showcasing their expertise and talent. You’d have to search far and wide to find a more qualified silver artisan than those who come from the stables of Peterson!
Sherlock Holmes
This unique pipe took on a tubular Calabash shape, closely resembling an XL version of the 305(b) System pipe initially designed by their senior craftsman, Paddy Larrigan. Today, this design is commonly referred to as the Original.
Before his retirement, Paddy Larrigan played a pivotal role in creating prototypes for the seven distinct shapes of the Original Sherlock Holmes Collection. These shapes were released between 1989 and 1991 and drew inspiration from characters, locations, and significant artifacts featured in Doyle’s stories. Following this theme, Peterson introduced “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” line from 1992 to 1997, introducing seven unique pipe shapes. The “Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” released in 2011, includes four signature models.
These collections have become Peterson’s most beloved and highly sought-after offerings. They continue to produce these pipes today, offering them in various finishes, all adorned with sterling silver bands and stamped with the series’ distinctive logo, which itself draws inspiration from a silhouette of Basil Rathbone holding a 4AB System (Large Dutch Billiard) pipe between his teeth.
Seasonal Pipes
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Besides their regular production ranges, Peterson introduces various limited editions each year. These exclusive lines are a tribute to their extensive history and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Often, the Seasonal line draws inspiration from their heritage to inspire innovations for the future. The annual Saint Patrick’s Day and Christmas Pipe series are among these limited-edition offerings. The Pipe of the Year model is another limited edition released annually in limited quantities. Of course, Peterson’s unwavering dedication to quality shines through in every model. Collectors and passionate enthusiasts always have something to look forward to when these pipes are released.
Churchwarden Pipes
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Since 1945, Peterson has been producing a selection of Churchwarden pipes, drawing inspiration from the classic clay tavern pipes of the past. You can spot a Churchwarden pipe easily by its elongated, elegant, and slender design. The bowls are slightly smaller compared to other pipes. Again, these pipes are available in various finishes catering to everyone’s tastes. These pipes are especially popular among enthusiasts, and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings might also have something to do with it. For the history buffs, click here to view a visual guide to Peterson’s historic Churchwarden pipes.
High Grade Pipes
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Peterson’s High Grade pipes represent the pinnacle of their regular production. These pipes are exceptional, boasting abundant grain, either in a smooth or sandblasted finish, and are adorned with meticulously crafted metal fitments. These fitments are shaped and applied by highly skilled craftsmen who have honed their craft through traditional five-to-eight-year apprenticeships under the guidance of senior artisans. Their individual touch sets these craftsmen apart — each has created a unique mandrel, resulting in metal fitments that bear their distinct, subtle style.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of Peterson pipes is a journey filled with history, tradition, and quality. From beginner to seasoned enthusiast, Peterson has you covered. Their pipes allow you to experience the best pipe craftsmanship suited to every budget. Because pipe smoking is an indulgence, you never rush a smoking session. Apply this same logic when seeking the perfect Peterson pipe — take your time and explore the range. Don’t be shy to ask questions, and remember, an estate pipe is just as good as a new one. When you’ve found the perfect Peterson pipe, may it be a faithful companion on your journey through the pipe-smoking world. Happy Peterson Pipe Smoking!
