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Previously there were two separate issues of pipes which had the Captain Pete name. "Captain Pete" and "Captain Peterson" were two Peterson's subbrand issues made in England and were also sometimes manufactured in Dublin until the late 1960's when the London premises closed. I have a London made 1940's issue Oom Paul shape Captain Pete in my own collection. A fine pipe it is! | Previously there were two separate issues of pipes which had the Captain Pete name. "Captain Pete" and "Captain Peterson" were two Peterson's subbrand issues made in England and were also sometimes manufactured in Dublin until the late 1960's when the London premises closed. I have a London made 1940's issue Oom Paul shape Captain Pete in my own collection. A fine pipe it is! | ||
=== | ===The Tom Palmer Modern Era of Pipe Production. 1990 - Present=== | ||
[[File:SallynogginGroup.jpg|thumb|300px|Peterson staff group photo]]When Tom Palmer bought over the Peterson business at the beginning of the nineteen nineties', he adopted the policy of "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Basically sticking wisely to what the business had historically been famous for, good quality,value for money, popular, classic shaped pipes.<br> | |||
Peterson had been around for over 120 years before he got involved so he decided to tread carefully before making any real major changes. | |||
On looking back over the previous Peterson history,Tom considered that most changes should come in the extension to the main pipe range and with the regular issuing of new shapes and series. He considered that at the end of the day, a pipe is basically a consumer product and the consumer does like something new every so often. | |||
A consequence of this policy has, in my opinion, led to a rather complex list of new and established lists of series. | |||
The following lists and groupings are hopefully an easier and more practical method, making it much simpler to come to terms with the huge array of Peterson's modern pipes. This can be rather complex for the novice, as Peterson continue to annually introduce new issues and remove older ones. Over the years I have found this to be a recurring problem for new entrants to the world of Peterson pipes. Regular Email correspondence requesting clarification on grades has shown me that it begs clarification. I have attempted to make this process somewhat easier for those not familiar with the various ranges, by adjusting the current system of Petersons nomenclature in line with 4 simple qualitative grouping criteria. For example with Group 1 being the highest in qualitative and monetary value terms, the others then in descending order of quality,cost etc. | |||
====Group 1==== | |||
[[File:XL23StraightGrain.JPG|thumb|Photos of Straight Grains]]'''Straight grains''': Peterson's catalogue states that these pipes have Briar's which are carefully examined for imperfections and have selected Briar's of exceptional grain, known as Straight Grains, they are carefully selected, hand crafted and the increasingly rare skill required to make them is unique. Craftsmen shape, turn, sand and polish 150 year old roots of the Erica arborea tree/shrub. Only a very limited quantity of Straight Grains are available in any twelve month period. To my mind the sight of a beautiful natural straight grain bowl is truly a sight to behold. Pure class, they can be spotted a mile off! When coupled to the traditional high class Peterson gold or silverwork, these pipes are in a different quality league. Considering that such quality pipes when available, can be bought for prices starting at around $400 and upwards, they are to my mind a real bargain. | |||
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[[File:GoldSupremeStraightGrain.jpg|thumb|Supreme Gold and Silver Mounted]][[File:Gold 'Hansom'.jpg|thumb]]'''Supreme Gold and Silver mounted''': Exceptionally rich in grain, these pipes are also made from the finest briar and are almost as rare as the 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 and available in most of Petersons classic shapes they are subject to the availability of suitable quality briar. Prices can vary between $330 and $850. | |||
Peterson craftsmanship at its very best. | |||
====Group 2==== | |||
Peterson High Grades. The pipes in this range are amongst the best and most select briar's that Peterson produce. They vary in price from the | |||
Grafton,Rosslare Royal Irish and Silver Spigots starting at around $250. To the slightly more expensive Silver Caps and Lids, Plato, Royal Irish and Celtic Naturals and on up to $800 plus for Gold spigots. | |||
'''Silver Caps & Lids''': The union of top grade mellowed briar and hallmarked silver confection, combines 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. These pipes are amongst the most spectacular and aesthetically pleasing of the Peterson higher grade pipes. Very photogenic and very collectable! My favourites, resistance is futile. | |||
<center><gallery caption="Silver Cap & Lid pipes"> | |||
File:SilverSpigot ED.JPG|Silver Spigot ED | |||
File:SHSilver LidSpigot.jpg|Shirlock Holmes | |||
File:DarwinEvolution3.JPG|Darwin Evolution | |||
File:WindcapX220.JPG|X220 Windcap | |||
</gallery></center> | |||
Prices start around $300 and on up to $500. I reckon that this series offers the best value for money in the Peterson stable of pipes. | |||
[[File:Plato.JPG|thumb|Plato]]'''Plato''': Peterson makes a very limited number of these Freehand pipes. So few, in fact, that many people don't even know they exist! Personally I am not a fan of Freehand pipes,to my eyes the are not aesthetically pleasing and are lacking the classic traditional lines that I find so appealing. I always feel that they look like unfinished rough briar's waiting to be completed. However I do realise that equally there are many people that do like them. Measuring just over 3” from the heel to the apex of the bowl rim, 2” across | |||
and 6 1/2” long. Weighing a full 3 ounces, the pipes feel surprisingly light for their size. The pipes are chunky, but are well balanced. They provide a good dry smoke. The stem fits snugly and is removed without effort. The pipes have great hand feel and the thick walls prevent them getting to hot to hold. | |||
Prices vary between $350 $450. | |||
[[File:Celtic ebony.jpeg|thumb|left|Celtic Ebony]][[File:Peterson Celtic XL02 3.jpg|thumb|Celtic XL02]]'''Celtic''': In my opinion the Peterson Celtic series of pipes are very handsome pipes. Everything about them seems well done, from the finish and the quality of the briar, to the Celtic knot work on the silver bands. There appears to be two grades of quality. Even in the basic one, the pipes are light, there are no obvious fills present and they smoke well, a quality briar, in natural smooth, green or ebony polished finish. Retailing for around $175 | |||
$200 in the basic form. | |||
Taking inspiration from Celtic art, stretching back over 1000 years. Peterson have created this series of pipes, the main feature of which, is the unique Celtic Knot design on the hallmarked sterling silver band.<br> | |||
< | The higher grade Celtic natural finish series of pipes is not cheap to purchase, being at the top end of the higher grade pipes. They usually retail at around $300 $400, and similar in quality to the Royal Irish series, they are comparatively rare and scarce, with few retailers currently offering them for sale. | ||
[[File:XL90RoyalIrish.jpg|thumb|XL90 Royal Irish]][[File:NewRoyalIrishXL02.JPG|thumb|left|New Royal Irish XL02]]'''Royal Irish''': The Royal Irish series of Peterson pipes is one of their lesser known issues. It should not be confused with the Rosslare Royal Irish. High grades,they sell for around the $300 $400 range. I have long admired them as they epitomise the elegant shapes,style and quality of briar that I find particularly attractive. Initially I was drawn to a XL90 shape and then a XL02,both among my favourite shapes. Dressed up in their 'royal finery' they are nothing short of spectacular. Peterson's web site describes them along with the other higher grades as: “Only about 5% of our bowls are good enough to make this selection of pipes. | |||
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These special pipes, all of which are silver mounted, are rare and a limited number are available each year. Shapes can vary depending on availability of suitable raw materials”. | |||
I know how scarce these are from having waited 612 months for mine to be made by Peterson, but it turned out to be well worth the wait. | |||
'''Rosslare Royal Irish''': Under the spotlight is the spectacular and unmistakable Peterson Rosslare Royal Irish series. Clearly identified and | |||
distinct from it's Royal Irish stablemate by the bright sterling silver mount at the end of the shank and on the stem. Most have the distinctive yellowgold variegated faux amber acrylic stem, all combine to create a striking and unique composition especially in the black sandblast contrast. The high grade Royal Irish series,differs from the basic Rosslare Classic series, which is priced around $115 and the higher grade Royal Irish at around $200 $250. Peterson claims that, “Only about 5% of our bowls are good enough to make this selection of pipes. These special pipes, all of which are silver mounted, are rare and a limited number are available each year. Shapes can vary depending on availability of suitable raw materials”. not so sure about the accuracy of some of that sales pitch,especially the rarity. I have never had any difficulty sourcing them. Most B&M's and Eretailers have them in stock, or can source them fairly quickly. | |||
I have | I have found that there is a clear dichotomy of opinion on the views of pipe smokers on the Rosslare series,they either 'love 'em or loath them'. Some find the orange/yellow Acrylic stem 'a bit over the top'. Personally I love 'em. | ||
[[File:Grafton80s.JPG|thumb|Grafton]][[File:GraftonB11.JPG|thumb|left|Grafton B11]]'''The Grafton Series''': Peterson state that “Only about 5% of our bowls are good enough to make this selection of pipes. These special pipes, all of which are silver mounted, are rare and only a limited number are available each year. Shapes can vary depending on availability of suitable raw materials”. | |||
Peterson | I have rarely seen this series of pipes for sale previously, it has been a complete mystery as to the quality of briar, finish and smoking qualities. Rarely is it mentioned on pipe forums.<br> | ||
So as is my wont, I set out to acquire a couple. The Grafton is rated by Peterson as one of their Higher Grades along with the Royal Irish and the Rosslare Royal Irish. I would also place it along with that other higher grade rarity the Celtic series. My first impression of them is that the briar quality is superb,with gorgeous graining. The pipes are not what I would call stand out stunner's. They ooze quality and are reservedly handsome,enhanced by the acrylic Cumberland stem. The bowl finish is tending toward a matt finish and not shiny like the recent trend. The natural Walnut finish harkens back to the comparable preRepublic bowls. The purchase price is around $300. | |||
[[File:OddSilverCelticSpigot.JPG|thumb|Old Silver Celtic Spigot]]'''Gold & Silver Spigots''': The Peterson Spigot is characterised by a gold or | |||
sterling silver covering on the tapered end of the mouthpiece which complements 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. | |||
These are amongst the most attractive and collectable pipes in the Peterson range of pipe issues. They just ooze quality.<br> | |||
Prices start at around $200 and rise to $800 for the Gold versions. | |||
<center><gallery caption="Gold and Silver Spigots"> | |||
File:PeteSherlockHolmesXL21SpigotFish.jpg|Sherlock Holmes XL21 Spigot Fish | |||
File:Pipedia37NaturalSilverSpigB11.jpg|Natural Silver Spigot B11 | |||
File:SilverSpigot ED.JPG|Silver Spigot ED | |||
</gallery></center> | |||
====Group 3==== | |||
This is probably the most popular group of modern Peterson pipes for collectors, offering good variety and choice at very fair pricing. | |||
'''Year Pipes, Commemorative and Limited editions''': Each year Peterson's design and produce a select number of pipes in limited numbers to | |||
commemorate a particular year,subject or occasion. These products are particularly directed at the pipe connoisseur and collectors who can | |||
recognise the characteristics of these particular pipe examples, which are unique in material, workmanship and styling.<br> | |||
Prices usually start at around $200. | |||
[[File: | [[File:Writer2.jpg|thumb|Writer Collection]]'''Collections''': Usually these popular themed collections of pipes are boxed. | ||
They vary in price from the Ebony and Ivory at around $300 and up to $1000 for the River, 6 pipe set. | |||
* Antique collection | |||
* River collection | |||
* Irish sea collection | |||
* Mark Twain collection | |||
* Writers collection | |||
* Golf collection | |||
* Great Explorers collection | |||
* River collection | |||
* Castle collection | |||
* Molly Malone Cockles and Mussels Collection. | |||
* Iceberg Collection | |||
The | '''The Sherlock Holmes Series''': Probably the most popular and successful series of pipes ever produced by Peterson. Including the Meerschaum | ||
version of the seven day sets. Both briar and Meers can be purchased etheir as individual pipes or complete seven day sets and stands.Expect to pay around $250 for briars and $300 for individual Meerschaums. Complete 7 day sets and stands can be up to $1500 - $2000. | |||
[[File:OldEnglishCollection265.jpeg|thumb|Old English Collection 265]][[File:OldEnglishLovat55.jpeg|thumb|left|Old English Lovat 55]]'''The Old English Collection''': The old English Collection is no longer in production. It featured a set of 12 pipes, recreated using original classic designs from the 1930s and 1940s. Each pipe is handmade and mounted with goldplated sterling silver bands. | |||
[[File:Pipedia3Deluxe11s.jpg|thumb|Deluxe 11s]][[File:Pipedia6Deluxe02s.jpg|thumb|left|Deluxe 02s]][[File:Pipedia7Deluxe11fb.jpg|thumb|Deluxe 11fb]][[File:Pipedia8DeluxeSupreme2s.jpg|thumb|left|Deluxe Supreme 2s]]'''Deluxe Systems''': The handsome and very distinctive Deluxe system pipes, include the Darwin,Mark Twain and the Charles Peterson 140 year anniversary Pipe. These pipes are at the top of the 'system' series in terms of quality and finish. Each Peterson Deluxe is made from carefully selected, age mellowed root briar. In matt finish with hallmarked sterling silver mounts and a unique space fitting mouthpiece to allow for years of wear. They are available in a wide range of shapes numbered, as follows: 1s,2s,3s,4s,5s,8s,9s,11s,12.5s,20s,XL5s, 20FB and 11FB. The pipes are well carved and construction,engineering and workmanship,is outstanding. The stems are well drilled and aligned. Silver work is excellent, finish very good, and the often maligned briar is of outstanding quality. The design is a very typically Peterson classic shape. Apart from the Darwin,the balance can be stem heavy,the bit is thick and chunky,especially in the larger versions. I also enjoy the sense of presence they give to the pipe,particularly if smoking in company with friends or strangers. | |||
They have a sophistication about them. The smoking qualities are excellent,dry and cool. The draw is good, and the flavour is particularly | |||
great in new pipes. The Mark Twains are outstanding in this department. As for the aesthetics and ergonomics, I find some shapes much more attractive than others. Favourites for me are the 1s,2s,3s,the Mark Twains and the Darwin deluxe. As a clencher most are very good to hang,except the beautiful Darwin which is more of a 'hand holder.' The one weakness I find is the modern orange/golden colour, (the so called natural) it is, in my opinion, less attractive than that found in the older Walnut finish of the eighties. As far as value and cost is concerned,for the excellent quality finish, these are competitively priced at around $135 to $250 depending on size and briar grade. | |||
For what it is worth, I reckon the Deluxes are probably the best value range of pipes that Peterson produce, both in terms of functionality and value. There is not a thing wrong with these pipes. Those who malign the brand because they're made by the hundreds using machines, are very wrong, in my opinion. I like them a lot and the bang for the buck is the best I've ever seen for new pipes of this quality. | |||
The Deluxes are all excellent smokers. The Darwin, of course, is a truly outstanding pipe, its only "flaw" being that it's not a clencher. One particular aspect of this pipe that appeals to me most is its physical beauty and presence. They are a pipe like no other. For me, they also offer a bowl capacity that I like and a balance in the hand that I appreciate. They are well named Deluxe s for giving that special experience. | |||
''' | [[File:HouseTrio.jpg|thumb|Collection of House Pipes]]'''House pipes''': Another popular Peterson system pipe variant, is the huge House Pipe. I believe the term house pipe, has come from the fact that they are just too big to carry around for some and too heavy to hold in one's mouth. The pipes are so large that you'll want to smoke them at home, settled into a comfortable chair for a very long session with a good book! I | ||
remember seeing them referred to as 'systems on steroids'! | |||
These large hand made pipes normally retail for around $200 $ 400 depending on shape and finish. Varying from Smooth,Sandblast and Rustic | |||
finishes and Straight Billiard and Bent shapes. Extra large bowls. All with sterling silver bands. Finishes include terracotta and oak colours. | |||
Over the years there have been a few large System pipes Produced by Peterson which could be considered to be included as 'House' pipes. | |||
silver | In the early Peterson catalogues, circa 1900,they were advertising XXL systems which were similar in size to the modern 'House' pipes. Around | ||
1990 Peterson were asked by a large UK retailer, i.e. Bonds of Oxford St. London, to commission the making of a special giant classic bent pipe,with dimensions of, length 17cms, bowl height,6.1cm, bowl chamber depth 5.5cms, internal bowl diameter 2.1cm. This is a classic shaped Peterson with hallmarked silver ferrule in smooth and rustic finishes,plus options of tapered and saddle stems. In the early 1990s Kapp & Peterson made this giant, classic full bent, smooth pipe exclusively for Bonds of Oxford Street London. Bonds seem to have an endless source of New Old Stock Peterson pipes. I am always intrigued by these pipes when they arrive by post. | |||
Inevitably they come in their original packaging and to my mind, are a window back in time. I enjoy the box and contents as much as the pipe. | |||
I had seen this pipe on many occasions when I had previously visited Bonds E bay site. I have always been attracted to it and admired the classic shape ,size and finish. They were offering the same pipe in various finishes and stem fittings. However I preferred the smooth tapered fishtail. I am a sucker for large bent Pete's. Just my taste. However it was not cheap at around $355. Having had the opportunity to see the pipe 'in the flesh', I am amazed at the quality,feel,looks and the smoking performance. Yes you heard right I smoked it! Normally with the newer unsmoked high grades that come into my collection,they remain un smoked. However I made an exception with this beauty and boy it was worth it. | |||
''' | [[File:DarwinDeluxe.jpg|thumb|left|Darwin Deluxe]][[File:Darwinpremier.jpg|thumb|Darwin Premier]][[File:Darwinsandblast.jpg|thumb|Darwin blast]]'''Darwin Series''': The new Darwin series of large,sturdy, stout pipes, feature the same military mount and ingenious moisturetrap found in other Peterson System pipes. Recently released just in time to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Charles Darwins "On the Origin of the Species". Darwin pipes come in the Sandblast, Ebony, Rustic, Smooth, Red, Deluxe and Premier finish. The shape form is the new B42; a handsome and muscular bent apple that appears to have been specially created for the series. | ||
The Peterson | |||
I have to admit that I am smitten by this new series from Peterson. They epitomize my ideal pipe, both in looks and functionality. The Deluxe in | |||
particular is a very handsome specimen. I also enjoy how tactile these pipes are,they snuggle in beautifully in the hand. I am a big guy so it may be something to do with scale. With the pipes being so big I would imagine they will not be to everyone's taste. My own view is somewhat biased, the Darwins were probably tailor made with me in mind!! I find them brilliant smokers,the bowls never heat up, because they are so large and the shape is so very comfortable for longer periods of smoking. Personally I give them a slight edge over the Mark Twains in that department. The official Peterson web site lists only four types, Deluxe, Premier, Rustic and Smooth. I have managed to source three others, Red, Ebony and Sandblast. Expect to pay around $230 for a Deluxe Darwin. | |||
====Group 4==== | |||
[[File:Pipedia36ChristmasPipe2009.jpg|thumb|2009 Christmas Pipe]][[File:NewChirstmasPipe.jpg|thumb|left|2011 Christmas Pipe]] | |||
In this group you will find the basic entry level pipes which many smokers desire and are most comfortable with for every day and rotation use. The two most famous and popular issues probably being the System and the Classic shape pipes. All of the pipes in this group can be purchased for relatively little cost and probably accounts for the majority of Petersons world wide pipe sales. | |||
[[ | |||
'' | '''Holiday and Calendar Date pipes''': 4th July first issued in the late 1990s with production of this series ending approximately 2007. Made for the US market to celebrate Independence Day. Expect to pay around $100. | ||
'''''Saint Patrick's Day''''': first issued, Mid 1980s (was previously know as Flag Pipe). 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 go with a very Irish colour – a shade of green. Prices start around $80. | |||
Prices | |||
''' | '''Fathers day''': first issued 2010. A classic pipe with a Walnut finish with matching ring. Available in selected classic shapes with fishtail mouthpiece only. Price around $100 | ||
'''Christmas Pipe''': Originally commissioned by the American etailer '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". Price around $150. | |||
Each year since then, Peterson has continued to issue through it's many global retailers, a Christmas pipe, now known as a “Holiday Season” issue. | |||
[[File:Pipedia31SmoothTankard.jpg|thumb|Smooth Tankard]][[File:Rustic Barrel.jpg|thumb|left|Rustic Barrel]]'''Speciality pipes''': A selection of unique quaint shaped pipes unique to Peterson. | |||
''' | '''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. | |||
'''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. Prices start from $45. | |||
[[File:Churchwarden D6.jpg|thumb|left|Churchwarden D6]][[File:Churchwarden Prince Smooth.jpg|thumb|Churchwarden Smooth Prince]]'''Churchwarden''': One of the earliest pipe shapes and it 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> | |||
Priced around at $100. | |||
[[File:PeteSystems.jpg|thumb|Collection of System Pipes]][[File:Pipedia41System305.jpg|thumb|left|System 305]][[File:Pipedia35System309.jpg|thumb|System 309]][[File:System2.jpg|thumb|The Peterson System]][[File:System.jpg|thumb|System Shape Chart]]'''System Pipes''': Perhaps the most notable design from the Kapp and Peterson factory was Peterson's famed 'Dry System' pipes. The original patent was issued in Great Britain and Ireland on Aug. 8, 1890, Featuring a small reservoir intended to collect moisture before it reaches the smoker, the 'System Pipe' makes for a cool smoke that minimizes tongue bite, the bane of every pipe smoker. Indeed, it is on this ground breaking design that the worldwide reputation of Peterson grew. | |||
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In 1898 another of Peterson's innovative pipe inventions became available and was also patented. the PetersonLip (PLip) mouthpiece, designed to | |||
offset the inhaled smoke to the roof of the mouth,thus avoiding tongue bite. The famous P lip stem incorporated into the system pipes mouthpiece directs the smoke flow through a small hole at the top of the stem to the roof of the mouth. | |||
Generally when pipe smokers get together and discuss the system pipes they are inevitably divided as to whether they like or dislike them,in particular the P lip stem which has many detractors. The main criticism being that in directing the smoke to the top or roof of the mouth, this can become tender and sore after a while through the concentration of hot smoke. The cleaning and maintenance of the System pipes also appears to be problematic to some pipesters. Often the criticism is in regard to the 'infamous' pipe cleaner test,i.e. can a pipe cleaner be passed down the stem opening and out the opposite end easily and without obstruction. Of course smaller pipes are more problematic than the larger ones,coupled to the stem shape being more angular in full bent examples. I have never really found this to be too much of a problem as I will use the smaller finer pipe cleaners such as those made by Falcon,which seem to pass easily. Personally I enjoy my System Pipes, to me they epitomise the true essence of Petersons heritage and style. Being a habitual clencher I find the P lip ideal 'anchorage' for dangling from my | |||
mouth,particularly as the majority of my pipes are bent s. I suspect that the majority of my weekly pipe smoking activity is with 'Systems',I love em! | |||
The Peterson System pipes are the standard bearers of the Peterson pipe family, famous for the excellent smoking pleasure they provide. Often | |||
imitated but never equalled, the Peterson System smokes dry, cool and sweet, thanks to the scientific effectiveness of the original design. The heart of the System is the unique graduated bore in the mouthpiece. This makes the suction applied by the smoker 15 times weaker by the time it reaches the tobacco chamber. The result is that all the moisture flows into the reservoir and, thus cannot reach the smoker's mouth. The Peterson Lip further enhances the effectiveness of the graduated bore by directing the flow of smoke upwards and away from the tongue. This achieves a uniquely even distribution of smoke and virtually eliminates any chance of tonguebite or bitterness. Furthermore, the shape is contoured so that the tongue rests comfortably in the depression under the opening. Each "PLip" mouthpiece is made from Vulcanite. For the Peterson System pipes to work properly, the stem/tenon has to have an extension, the tip of which will pass by the draft hole from the bowl and into the sump. Upon the smoker drawing in smoke, this extension then directs the smoke down and around the sump to dispense a lot of the moisture before the smoke enters the extension and stem. On the System Standards and other less expensive systems, this extension with be made of Vulcanite turned integrally with the stem. On the more expensive System pipes this extension will be made of metal which screws into the Vulcanite stem. This extension on the earlier pipes will be of brass and the newer pipes will be of aluminium. Most smokers not knowing this function of the metal extension, assumes that it is a condenser/stinger and will remove it as they do with the metal condensers of Kaywoodie, etc. Should you have a System pipe with this metal extension, do not remove it for it will make the System function properly and give you a dryer smoke. | |||
Another feature of the Peterson System pipe that helps in removing moisture is the stem itself. It will have a relatively small draft hole entrance at the extension which will open out rapidly and then closes back down near the bit. Of course these varying diameters have smooth transitions. | |||
The idea behind this is; the smoke leaving the smaller diameter and entering the larger diameter will expand and slow down, thus dropping more | |||
moisture before entering your mouth. To some people the cleaning of system pipes can appear to be problematic,in fact they are in most cases easy to clean. A pipe cleaner dipped in alcohol will do a fine job of removing any dried tobacco juices in the mouthpiece or shank. If there is any difficulty with the pipe cleaner accessing the narrow Plip,I would suggest using the finer narrow pipe cleaners made by Falcon, which are still widely available. The sump pit on a system pipe can be cleaned with a QTip swab or piece of rolled up paper towel, likewise preferably dipped in alcohol before use. If you suspect the sump pit contains a significant amount of liquid, remove the mouthpiece, dump the liquid, and reassemble. I would recommend running a pipe cleaner down the stem, as far as it will go, immediately after finishing a bowl, but disassembly and thorough cleaning can wait until the next day or any other convenient time. Most of the standard systems are made from good quality briar. All are fitted with nickel mounts and army style mouthpiece. There are fourteen models to choose from, with a choice of highly polished or rustic finish. Nearly all are bent s,except for one straight model, shape reference 31. As well as the traditional Walnut finish,there are also additional colour choices with red and ebony,plus rusticated and sandblast. There is also a higher grade choice in the Premier bowls. Prices | |||
can vary considerably from around $88 for a basic finish System and up to $250 for a Deluxe. | |||
[[File: | [[File:Ashford shape69bent.JPG|thumb|Ashford 69 Bent]][[File:DalkeyB11.JPG|thumb|Dalkey B11]][[File:4u68.jpg|thumb|4U 68]][[File:Classic.jpg|thumb|Classic Shape Chart]][[File:Classic2.jpg|thumb|Classic Shape Chart]][[File:Kinsale.jpg|thumb|Kinsale Shape Chart]][[File:Specialty.jpg|thumb|Specialty Shape Chart]]'''Classic Range''': The following is a list of the pipes which fall mainly into the Classic Range. These are primarily Petersons basic 'entry' level pipes, which can vary considerably in price between $55 and $200, depending on the finish i.e. smooth,sandblast, rustic and if there is any nickel or silverware adornments. The list includes pipes which are currently identified on the main Peterson web site. The shapes are mainly based on those thirty three examples shown on the main web 's Classic Shape Chart. The list is constantly changing as more new pipes are announced each year. All of the following series fall into the Classic range of pipes quality and will most certainly have some bowl fills or slight flaws. As previously stated,some of these listed pipes are unique to and only available in Europe or the US. Others are simply no longer in production. | ||
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The | |||
* Aran | |||
* Around The World | |||
* Ashford | |||
* Blackrock | |||
* Captain Pete | |||
* Cara | |||
* Cashel,Rock of. | |||
* Castle | |||
* Celtic | |||
* Claddagh | |||
* Cork | |||
* Dalkey | |||
* Dingle | |||
* Donegal,Rocky | |||
* Dracula | |||
* Dublin Castle | |||
* Dublin Filter | |||
* Dunmore | |||
* Elegant | |||
* Emerald | |||
* Fathers Day | |||
* Fermoy | |||
* Flame Grain | |||
* Galway | |||
* Harp | |||
* Holiday Season | |||
* Irish Made Army | |||
* Irish Sea | |||
* Irish Whiskey | |||
* Kapet | |||
* Kapmeer | |||
* Kapruf | |||
* Kapp Royal | |||
* K Briar | |||
* Kelly | |||
* Kenmare | |||
* Kildare | |||
* Kilkenny | |||
* Killarney | |||
* Kinsale | |||
* Laxiom (UK made in 1960's) | |||
* Limerick | |||
* Outdoor | |||
* River | |||
* Rosslare | |||
* Racing Green | |||
* Samhain | |||
* Shamrock | |||
* Shannon | |||
* Silver Mounted Army | |||
* Slimline | |||
* Sport | |||
* Saint Patrick's Day | |||
* Tara | |||
* Trinity | |||
* Tyrone | |||
* 4U | |||
==Why choose a Peterson Pipe?== | ==Why choose a Peterson Pipe?== |