Peterson designed the mouthpiece as part of his Dry System pipe design. 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. Having had the opportunity to see the pipe ‘in the flesh’, I am amazed at the quality, feel, looks and the smoking performance.
1900 K & P exhibited with great success at the Paris International exhibition winning several gold medals and accolades for the quality of their pipes. Fredrick Henry Kapp, son of Alfred and known as Harry, joined his father’s business in 1914 at the outbreak of the first World War. Around 1876 Charles Peterson, a young, newly arrived, Latvian immigrant was hired by Fredrick as a pipe craftsman, primarily to make custom ordered briar pipes. The business was then inherited by their 10 and 12 year old sons and was renamed Kapp Brothers after executors were appointed. Charles Peterson by then was the lead craftsman and managed the business on behalf of Fredrick and his wife’s executors until the boys came of age.
This firm was created in 1865 from two German brothers who initially emigrated to London, one of whom later opened a shop in Dublin. Around 1876, Peterson was hired to make tobacco pipes on order. After the death of both brothers, Peterson takes things for the son, who is still too young to run a business.
Peterson pipes is one of the premier company’s and has been since 1865. The traditional and well renowned brand has the unique blend of innovation and ability to hold on to the virtues of the original craftsmanship of pipe making. The company is based in Dublin and has, along with traditional shapes and materials, created a new expansive line of pipes, that you will find a wide variety of on this site. The modern Captain Pete line available from Cup O’Joe’s is an exclusive issue by Peterson for the US retailer. They are XL size pipes that mirror the Kinsale and SH series of pipes with slightly shorter plip mouthpieces.
During the last hundred years, Peterson has grown tremendously without losing sight of its original dedication to quality, handcrafted products at a reasonable price. Peterson pipes are one of the most popular pipes in britain today. Best known for their system pipes which have a unique dry system and the special ‘P’lip which helps you grip the pipe in your teeth. A few years ago Peterson of Dublin offered only a small range of pipes. The P-Lip mouthpiece was originally designed by Charles Peterson in 1865.
Peterson is also known for the beautiful silver applications. Made in Dublin (Ireland) since 1865, are known for their patented “Peterson System”, that features a deep reservoir, which cools down and softens the smoke. Moreover, some models have a special stem, that directs smoke towards the palate (instead of having it coming out facing the tongue). On Peterson’s bands, it reads “K&P” for Frederic Kapp and Charles Peterson, the company’s founders. On this page, you will find all of the Sherlock Holmes line’s designs, as well as all the other lines (Standard, Aran, St-Patrick’s day pipes…) that have contributed to the brand’s success for more than 150 years. When a Peterson has a band or a ferrule, this is often the best place to begin.
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. At the end of the eighties just as the Sherlock Holmes range was being issued, Peterson reintroduced the modern Captain Pete series. The pipe bowls on these modern versions are all based on the Sherlock Holmes shapes. Recently I acquired a wonderful and very unique Peterson pipe. The pipe was in need of some restoration, as its original stem was missing.
Most of the standard systems are made from good quality briar. 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. Prices can vary considerably from around $88 for a basic finish System and up to $250 for a Deluxe. The Peterson System pipes are the standard bearers of the Peterson pipe family, famous for the excellent smoking pleasure they provide.
Of course, they did have more than 150 years to become so, but it also very much has to do with the fact that some of the shapes simply have become iconic. Our Peterson video will go a peterson pipes long way to highlight the standards that Peterson holds itself to when crafting its pipes. Why not take a look at our selection and get yourself a few masterfully made smoking pipes.