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[[Image:NewDarwinDeluxe.jpg|thumb|200px|Darwin Deluxe, Courtesy Jim Lilley]][[Image:NewKappRoyalBarrel.jpg|thumb|200px|Kapp Royal Barrel, Courtesy Jim Lilley]][[Image:NewXL23Spigot.jpg|thumb|200px|Sherlock Holmes XL23 Silver Spigot, Courtesy Jim Lilley]][[Image:NewXL90RoyalIrish.jpg|thumb|200px|Royal Irish XL90, Courtesy Jim Lilley]][[Image:Peterson_1.jpg|thumb|200px|System Standard, Courtesy, [http://Smokingpipes.com Smokingpipes.com]]][[Image:Peterson_2.jpg|thumb|200px|System Standard w/P-Lip, Courtesy [http://Smokingpipes.com Smokingpipes.com]]] | |||
''Please feel free to contribute to this article, but please do not edit the quoted materials, which are under copyright. See [[Pipedia:Copyright]]'' | ''Please feel free to contribute to this article, but please do not edit the quoted materials, which are under copyright. See [[Pipedia:Copyright]]'' | ||
''' | '''Peterson [http://www.peterson.ie/ website]''' | ||
Peterson | =An Introduction to the Peterson Pipe= | ||
'''''By Jim Lilley''''' | |||
''Thanks you, Jim, for developing this wonderful article on Peterson pipes for Pipedia. --[[User:Sethile|sethile]] 19:31, 18 October 2010 (UTC) -- Pipedia SYSOP'' | |||
==Genesis== | |||
The Nurnberg brothers Friedrich and Heinrich Kapp, whose elegant Dublin tobacconist first opened | |||
for business in 1865 on Grafton Street, Dublin could scarcely have dreamt that they would | |||
participate in the birth of a legend.<br> | |||
Friedrich & Heinrich, who christened their shop simply 'Kapp Brothers', soon made a name for | |||
themselves making and selling quality Meerschaum and Briar Root pipes.<br> | |||
It was not long before Charles Peterson, a large young Latvian immigrant from Riga, walked into | |||
Kapp Brothers Grafton Street premises with a revolutionary pipe and ambitious plans for the future. | |||
declaring that he could make better pipes than they could. Armed with an imaginative flair for pipes | |||
and a craftsman's background. There and then, Peterson suggested that the brothers go into | |||
partnership with him to turn his pipe dream into the world's dream pipe. They agreed and Peterson | |||
not only proved himself correct, but became the third partner in the fledgling firm. The company | |||
was renamed Kapp & Peterson.<br> | |||
Kapp and Peterson went on to become Dublin's most fashionable and respected manufacturer and | |||
purveyors of fine smoking products. Pipe and cigar smokers would stroll down to the elegant | |||
premises for professional advice on the subtle nuances that determine a good handmade cigar or | |||
pipe. The Peterson brand was embraced by politicians, business leaders, sportsmen, artists and | |||
writers.<br> | |||
Thereafter not much more background information is known about Charles,how his business | |||
progressed,his family life if any,when did he retire,where and when did he die? | |||
There are few if any historical references, other than the famous quote he wrote on his favorite | |||
pipe. The original pipe is on display in the Peterson Museum in Dublin and the silver band is | |||
engraved with the message: “When stolen, please return to 55, Grafton Street. C. Peterson”. He | |||
obviously had a great sense of humor.<br> | |||
It was a well-used pipe, and it is obvious that Charles valued it very much. It is a large thick-walled | |||
pipe, with a bowl that tapers internally.<br> | |||
Charles was a big man, with proportionately large hands, so this pipe would have fitted them well. | |||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Line 14: | Line 43: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
My great friend Dave has just completed some very interesting genealogical background research | |||
on Charles and his family. This has been most helpful, in filling in some of the historical, blank | |||
missing pieces. Thank you for a job well done Dave,it is much appreciated.<br> | |||
I do however realize that this is still work in progress and that Dave will continue to research | |||
Charles Peterson's family history. We will update any information that is relevant to the project. | |||
Dave writes:- | |||
“For the year 1901, I have found a Charles Peterson living at 126 Rock Road in Dublin. His birth | |||
place is listed as Russia. His age is listed as 47(?). He's a widower and lists his occupation as pipe | |||
maker. I'm guessing this is our Mr. Peterson. Also a woman by the name of Mary O'Regan, who is | |||
listed as married and his landlady, lives at this address. She will show up again, later.” | |||
“Jump to 1911. I find a Charles Peterson living at 144 Leinster Road, Dublin. His age is 60 years, | |||
birth place is listed as Riga. Again his occupation is listed as pipe maker. But now he is married, it | |||
looks like to Annie Peterson, age 34. They have been married for 9 years and have two living | |||
children. I believe their children are a son, Conrad Peterson, age 7, and a daughter, Isolde Peterson, | |||
age 2 months. One other child was born to them but has died. The year of birth and death are not | |||
given. Again I find Mary O'Regan listed as living in the household, but as his sister-in-law. Her | |||
sister is married to Charles. No mention is made of her husband although she is listed as married | |||
and head of household. I also find a John Peterson, age 45, whose birth place is Riga, living with | |||
them. He is listed as a lodger and his occupation is pipe maker, and he is single. Possibly a brother | |||
to Charles, or at least a close relative. Also in the house is another Conrad Peterson, age 21, whose | |||
birth place is also Riga. He is listed as a student and a visitor in the house. A young woman by the | |||
name of Agnes Geoghean is listed as a children's nurse and Kathleen Dornt is listed a as general | |||
servant, both single and both living in the house”. | |||
It is also interesting to note that the family members included a children's nurse and a general | |||
servant living with them.This would appear to indicate that Charles's business was doing well | |||
financially.<br> | |||
As yet we have no information on where and when Charles died. Watch this space. | |||
==An Introduction to the modern Peterson Pipes== | |||
As an avid Peterson pipe enthusiast and collector, I am amazed at how little has been written in the | |||
past to chronicle the Peterson pipe history and the story of it's evolution. When I first started out | |||
with my obsessive interest in all things Peterson, I encountered major historical reference problems | |||
and like most enthusiasts,I was hungry for further dependable and accurate information which was | |||
just not there. Thanks to the dedication of the late Mike Leverette,a well known and respected | |||
expert collector of Peterson pipes, an attempt to rectify this historical anomaly was initiated in the | |||
early 2000's . Mike and some of his colleagues created the well known 'Peterson Pipe Project' web | |||
site, which cataloged the known early years in Peterson history and in particular a marvelous | |||
section on hallmarks and dating older pipes. Unfortunately this wonderful reference tool was never | |||
to reach its full potential development, as Mike sadly died in 2009, following a long period of | |||
illness.<br> | |||
I dedicate this compilation of modern Peterson references, respectfully to Mikes memory and hope | |||
that it is seen as being complimentary to Mike's main work. | |||
I have adapted this section concentrating on post 1950,the made in the Irish Republic era and the | |||
different modern Peterson grades and series,which should bring us up to the present time period. | |||
The series groupings do not necessarily conform to those in evidence on the official Peterson web | |||
site. I have taken a certain amount of license in putting together groupings, which I feel are more | |||
appropriate. There are some inclusions that are a mixture of series which are either made for or are | |||
specific to Europe and the US markets.<br> | |||
I have also attempted to place an approximate retail purchase price/value against various pipe | |||
groups to give a guide to the novice collectors. These prices are in US dollars and will be updated | |||
periodically. It is also worth bearing in mind that estate values would be approximately 50% of | |||
those prices quoted,proportionately higher for rarer pipes such as the earlier editions of the Mark | |||
Twain series,which are currently averaging $300-$400 for the UN-numbered editions,to over $1000 | |||
for earlier low numbered gold banded editions.<br> | |||
My main aim is to help to clarify an otherwise chaotic Peterson history for other | |||
enthusiasts,especially the new Peterson pipe owner or collector. | |||
===Guide Listings of the Peterson modern series=== | |||
'''''1950 onwards.- Made in the Republic of Ireland'''''<br> | |||
The following lists and groupings are hopefully a tool to make it easier to come to terms with the | |||
huge array of Peterson's selection of modern pipes. I appreciate that their will no doubt be | |||
omissions from the list,however it should be considered a 'work in progress' project and further | |||
inclusions will be inserted as these become apparent. | |||
'''''Classic Range''''' | |||
These are primarily the basic 'entry' level Peterson Pipes, which vary in price between $55 and | |||
$200.depending on finish i.e. smooth,sandblast,rustic and if any nickel or silverware etc.. These | |||
pipes will most certainly have some fills and slight flaws. | |||
*Aran | |||
*Captain Pete | |||
*Cara | |||
*Cashel,Rock of. | |||
*Castle | |||
*Celtic | |||
*Claddagh | |||
*Cork | |||
*Dalkey | |||
*Donegal,Rocky. | |||
*Dublin | |||
*Dunmore | |||
*Elegant | |||
*Emerald | |||
*Fermoy | |||
*Flame Grain | |||
*Galway | |||
*Harp | |||
*Irish Made Army | |||
*Irish Whiskey | |||
*Kapet | |||
*Kapmeer | |||
*Kapp Royal | |||
*K Briar | |||
*Kelly | |||
*Kenmare | |||
*Kildare | |||
*Killarney | |||
*Kinsale | |||
*Laxiom(UK made in 1960's) | |||
*Limerick | |||
*Rosslare | |||
*Racing Green | |||
*Samhain | |||
*Shamrock | |||
*Shannon | |||
*Silver Mounted Army | |||
*Slimline | |||
*Tara | |||
*Trinity | |||
*Tyrone | |||
[[Image:Peterson_Cut_out.jpg|thumb|200px|Petersen System]] | |||
'''''System Pipes''''' | |||
Probably the most popular and famous range in the Peterson stables. All come with the famous P-lip | |||
stem. Prices start at around $80 for the basic standard and up to $400 for the large hand made House | |||
pipes. | |||
*Standard | |||
*Premier | |||
*Deluxe | |||
*Darwin | |||
*House | |||
*Original Mark Twain | |||
*New Mark Twain | |||
'''''Collections''''' | |||
Usually these themed collections of pipes are boxed. They vary in price from the Ebony and Ivory | |||
at around $300 to $1000 for the River, 6 pipe set. | |||
*Antique collection | |||
*River collection | |||
*Irish sea collection | |||
*Mark Twain collection | |||
*Writers collection | |||
*Great Explorers collection | |||
*River collection | |||
*Castle collection | |||
'''''High Grades'''''<br> | |||
The pipes in this range are amongst the best and most select briar's that Peterson produce. They vary | |||
in price from the Rosslare Royal Irish at around $150 to the Plato Freehand at $350. | |||
*Plato | |||
*Grafton | |||
*Rosslare Royal Irish | |||
*Royal Irish | |||
'''''Straight Grains'''''<br> | |||
Briar's are carefully examined for imperfections and selected briar's of exceptional grain, known as | |||
Straight Grains are carefully selected. They are hand crafted and the increasingly rare skill required | |||
to make them is unique. Craftsman shape, turn, sand and polish 150 year old roots of the Erica | |||
arborea tree. Only a very limited quantity of Straight Grains are available in any twelve month | |||
period.<br> | |||
Prices start at around $400 going upwards. | |||
'''''Deluxe Silver Mounted'''''<br> | |||
Made from superior quality briar, in golden smooth polished finish with hallmarked sterling silver | |||
bands. Available in most of the classic shapes, subject to the availability of quality briar.<br> | |||
Prices vary but start at around $145 and up to $250. | |||
'''''Supreme Gold & Silver Mounted'''''<br> | |||
Exceptionally rich in grain, these pipes are made from the finest briar and are almost as rare as | |||
straight grains. Each pipe has a highly polished natural finish and is fitted with a slender gold or | |||
silver band. With Peterson lip or fishtail mouthpiece. Available in classic shapes subject to the | |||
availability of quality briar.<br> | |||
Prices can vary between $330 and $850. | |||
'''''Silver Caps & Lids'''''<br> | |||
The union of top grade mellowed briar and hallmarked silver combine to make this truly beautiful | |||
series. Using the highest grade bowls, the silver work is done by hand and fits the cap to each | |||
individual pipe. Available in most classic shapes with a Peterson lip or fishtail mouthpiece. Peterson | |||
also offer Silver Caps with a unique hallmarked silver hinged lid which is custom made to fit each | |||
individual pipe.<br> | |||
Prices start around $300 and on up to $450. | |||
'''''Spigots'''''<br> | |||
The Peterson Spigot is characterised by a sterling silver covering on the tapered end of the | |||
mouthpiece which compliments the sterling silver band of the pipe. The Spigot style evolved from | |||
the practice of soldiers in earlier centuries who repaired broken pipes by sliding a used cartridge | |||
case over the shank and reinserting the mouthpiece. In this unique spigot finished pipe, Peterson | |||
craftsmanship perfect the union of finest quality briar and precious metals. The silver or gold is | |||
spun to shape and then fitted to the pipe.<br> | |||
Prices start at around $200 and rise to $800. | |||
'''''Sherlock Holmes'''''<br> | |||
'Original collection' - The most successful series of pipes introduced by Peterson. First produced in | |||
1987 to honour the most famous character in fiction, Sherlock Holmes. A 7 day set made from | |||
specially selected briar-wood in shapes most favoured by Holmes. Available in smooth, ebony, | |||
rustic and some sandblast. All extra large bowls. Sterling silver band. Peterson lip and fishtail | |||
mouthpiece.<br> | |||
'Return of collection' - Based on the success of the first series and made from specially selected briarwood | |||
in the time honoured Peterson tradition. All seven pipes are mounted with a hallmarked | |||
sterling silver band. Available with Peterson lip or fishtail mouthpiece.<br> | |||
''Sherlock Holmes Meerschaum collection''- Same seven shapes as the original collection.<br> | |||
Individual briar pipes start at around $200,with complete sets and rack at around $1500.<br> | |||
Individual meerschaum's start around $300 and complete sets plus rack at around $2000. | |||
'''''Speciality'''''<br> | |||
''Belgique and Calabash'' - Two petite and lightweight Peterson shapes crafted with all the care and | |||
know how of century old pipe makers. From finest quality briar in red polish and rustic finishes | |||
with fishtail mouthpieces only.<br> | |||
Prices around $60 to $85.<br> | |||
''Tankard & Barrel'' - Two attractively shaped pipes finished in red polish or rustic. A quality briar | |||
fitted with a nickel mount. Available with Peterson lip or fishtail mouthpiece.<br> | |||
Prices start from $45.<br> | |||
''Churchwarden'' - One of the earliest pipe shapes and still remains popular. The overall length of the | |||
mouthpiece ensures a pleasant cool smoke, particularly suitable for an evenings relaxation. The | |||
Dublin, Billiard and Prince shapes come in smooth or rustic finish are available with long slender | |||
fishtail mouthpiece only.<br> | |||
Prices starting at $90. | |||
'''''Commemorative and Limited editions'''''<br> | |||
''Millennium'' - Dublin one of Europe's oldest capital cities celebrated its Millennium in the year 1988 | |||
and in honour, Petersons made a special tribute to the occasion, by creating prestige souvenir pipes | |||
known as "Peterson Dublin Millennium".These pipes are available in both an Oom Paul and a | |||
Dublin shape.<br> | |||
Prices are around $190 per pipe.<br> | |||
'''''New Mark Twain''''' – 2 pipe set in honour of the great Mark Twain. The bent one is a replica of the | |||
original 80's bent Mark Twain shape,which was produced for the American market only and | |||
attained cult status. The second pipe in the set is a poker shape, related to the Corn cob pipe that | |||
Huckleberry Finn used to smoke. The bent pipe is only available with the Peterson lip and the | |||
straight Poker is only available with a fishtail mouthpiece – they are sold as a boxed set. Finish in | |||
choices of Smooth,Rustic,Sandblast and Ebony.<br> | |||
Price estimated to be around $350 - $450 for the set,depending on finish. | |||
'''''Charles Peterson 140 Anniversary''''' – in 2005 Peterson celebrated it's 140th anniversary. To mark | |||
the occasion, they decided to produce an exact copy of Charles Peterson´s favourite pipe. The | |||
original of this pipe is kept in the Peterson museum in Dublin and the silver band is engraved with | |||
the massage;"When stolen, please return to 55. Grafton Street" and is signed by Charles Peterson.<br> | |||
Prices start around $280. | |||
'''''Pipes of the year''''' - Each year Peterson's design and produce a select number of pipes in limited | |||
numbers. These products are particularly directed at the pipe connoisseur who can recognise the | |||
characteristics of the product which is unique in its material, workmanship and styling.<br> | |||
Prices start at around $200.<br> | |||
'''''4th July''''' - Made for the US market to celebrate Independence Day.<br> | |||
Expect to pay around $100. | |||
'''''Saint Patrick's day''''' - Each year Peterson launches a range of pipes to celebrate Ireland’s national | |||
holiday when everyone in the world wishes to be Irish. Most years they gone with a very Irish | |||
colour – a shade of green.<br> | |||
Prices start around $80. | |||
'''''Ebony and Ivory''''' - Ebony & Ivory 2-pipe set. One Bent meerschaum pipe and one straight ebony | |||
finished briar pipe in special presentation box, both with fishtail stems.<br> | |||
Price $320. | |||
'''''Fathers day''''' - A classic pipe with a Walnut finish with matching ring. Available in selected classic | |||
shapes with fishtail mouthpiece only.<br> | |||
Price around $100 | |||
'''''Christmas Pipe''''' – Commissioned by the American e-tailer 'Cup O' Joes', Peterson's first ever | |||
Christmas pipe! Like the Peterson Year Pipe, a special limited edition, featuring a smooth finish, | |||
fishtail mouthpiece, and a Sterling Silver Band with a Christmas tree stamped on it. The bowl was | |||
stamped with the Peterson logo and "Christmas 2009".<br> | |||
Price around $150.<br> | |||
The new 2010 Christmas pipes are now available in the Classic shapes and can be sourced world | |||
wide, from approved Peterson distributors. | |||
==Why choose a Peterson Pipe?== | |||
Why choose a Peterson Pipe,what is so special about them when compared to other well known | |||
brands? | |||
As a long time smoker of Peterson pipes I have found them totally dependable as basic smoking | |||
instruments.<br> | |||
I am willing to concede that we are all different in our tastes and choices,mine possibly being an | |||
extreme viewpoint of the Peterson brand. However in defence, my knowledge is based on years of | |||
ownership and experience of the myriad selection of pipes that Peterson have produced and are still | |||
producing.<br> | |||
I have had an extensive collection of other brands,including artisan pipes, in my collections over the | |||
years, with which to draw these comparisons. However for me Peterson pipes have a special place | |||
and attraction. Their historical elegance coupled to Celtic charisma and eccentricity adds to a | |||
massive world wide following and popularity. As well as being excellent everyday smoking | |||
pipes,they are also very collectable. Particularly the Patents, Pre-Republics and original Mark | |||
Twain's, all of which command reasonably consistent, estate prices at auction. | |||
In my opinion Peterson pipes embody what is meant by "a good pipe." Their design, materials, | |||
history, and elegance convey a certain mystique that eclipses other brands. It's difficult to | |||
understand, but by smoking, or collecting Peterson pipes, a person can identify with times past, a | |||
time when quality and craftsmanship, were the norm and not the exception. | |||
From my years of ownership,here are some other good solid reasons to choose a Peterson pipe. :- | |||
*Historical provenance over 145 years and are eminently collectible. | |||
*Classical,simple elegant shapes. | |||
*Aesthetically pleasing and very tactile in the hand. | |||
*Value for money. Prices are competitive throughout their range. | |||
*Extensive choice of styles and shapes | |||
*Excellent consistent build and smoking qualities. | |||
*Strong world wide community of followers. | |||
*Excellent resale values. | |||
*Quality customer care and support. | |||
*System pipes eccentric quirky design and following. | |||
*Highly regarded attractive silver-work. | |||
*Innovation: they regularly come up with new series and design. | |||
As I have stated previously, the huge World-wide number of contented Peterson pipe smokers is | |||
evidence enough and must be considered a great endorsement of the brand. | |||
I often cringe at some of the negative comments made on popular pipe forums, in regard to the | |||
quality and finish of Peterson pipes. Inevitably it is the old story of a lack of knowledge of | |||
ownership of the extensive and varied choices in the range of pipes presented by Peterson. Often the | |||
negative comments are based on the writers limited experience of owning a basic entry level pipe. | |||
Thereafter they condemn all Peterson pipes, based on that poor experience. | |||
I am privileged in that I have a good variety of both entry and higher grade Peterson Pipes within | |||
my collection. In my humble opinion, Peterson have been consistent throughout their production of | |||
higher end pipes, in replicating a tradition of Celtic quality, at very reasonable prices. | |||
'''To be Continued'''<br> | |||
'''''Peterson Patent Era Pipes'''''<br> | |||
'''''Peterson Pre Republic Pipes'''''<br> | |||
'''''Peterson English made Pipes'''''<br> | |||
'''''Peterson System Pipes'''''<br> | |||
*See Also: [http://thepetersoncollector.blogspot.com/ '''The Peterson Pipe Collector'''] | *See Also: [http://thepetersoncollector.blogspot.com/ '''The Peterson Pipe Collector'''] | ||
*See also [[A Conversation With Tom Palmer of Peterson of Dublin]] | *See also [[A Conversation With Tom Palmer of Peterson of Dublin]] | ||
*For detail information on the history of Peterson, and an excellent dating guide see [[A Peterson Dating Guide; A Rule of Thumb]] by Mike Leverette. | |||
'''Contact Information''': | '''Contact Information''': |