Peterson: Difference between revisions

=== The Tom Palmer Modern Era of Pipe Production. 1990 - Present ===

When Tom Palmer bought 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.

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.

'''Straight grains''': Peterson's catalogue states that these pipes have Briars which are carefully examined for imperfections and have selected Briars 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.

The pipes in this range are amongst the best and most select briars 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.

DarwinEvolution3.JPG|Darwin Evolution

WindcapX220.JPG|X220 Windcap

Pete NaturalXL02 silver windcap.JPG|Silver Natural coloured XL02 Windcap

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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.

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.

'''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.

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 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.

'''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”.

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.

'''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. Prices start at around $200 and rise to $800 for the Gold versions.

14kgold221spigot.JPG|14K Gold 221 Spigot

PeteSherlockHolmesXL21SpigotFish.jpg|Sherlock Holmes XL21 Spigot Fish

Pete silverSpigotXL315.jpeg|Dark Sandblast Silver Spigot XL315

Pete 999 Rhodesian SilverSpigot.jpg|999 Rhodesian Silver 'Special'

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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. Prices usually start at around $200.

'''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

* Molly Malone Cockles and Mussels Collection.

* Iceberg Collection

'''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. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes runs around $1000 for a 4 pipe boxed set. Complete 7 day sets and stands can be up to $1500 - $2000.

'''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.

'''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.

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.

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'''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'!

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.

'''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.

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.

'''Kapp Royal Series''': The Kapp Royal series is a relatively new one, but has a well establish history in Europe. They are a handsome colourful series with a good quality natural stain briar and bright orange Lucite stems and occasionally Cumberland. The stems are mainly military mounts which are secured by sterling silver ferrules to give a well balanced aesthetically pleasing finish.

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.

'''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

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.

'''Speciality pipes''': A selection of unique quaint shaped pipes unique to Peterson.

'''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.

'''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. Priced around at $100.

'''System Pipes''': Perhaps the most notable design from the Kapp & 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.

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 bents, 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.

'''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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== Why choose a Peterson Pipe? ==