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. Peterson initially graded their mass -produced System pipes, i.e., regular catalogue pipes (in descending order) “Deluxe”, “First Quality”, “0” grade, “2nd grade”, and “3rd grade”. You will also find old Peterson Systems stamped System 4 or System 5. The shape number is also indicative of briar quality; for example, 364 is Peterson’s 3rd quality shape number (the 2nd quality sister pipe is a 314). Our Peterson video will go a 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.
His emphasis has been very much on employing good skilled staff and quality traditional methods. At the same time they continue to evolve, providing the modern pipe smoker with modern choices and trends in pipe design and shapes. Tom has always believed in the old saying – “if it was not broken, don’t fix it”. Peterson had been around for over 120 years before he got involved so he decided to tread carefully before making any changes. On looking back over the years, Tom considered that most changes came, in the very large extension to the pipe range and the constant issuing of new shapes and series. He considered that at the end of the day, a pipe is a consumer led product, loosely defined and the consumer wants something new every so often.
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. 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 second issue was called ‘The Return of’ and was based on the success of ‘the Original’, with seven additional new shapes and dedicated wooden rack being created. All similar to the first issue, with XL bowl sizes and similar sterling silver bands with the SH stamp.
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. 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.
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. 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. I would suggest the period 1890 to 1915 is the true ‘Patent era’. From my humble observations the Patent stamping on pipes from that time, were more apparent and attributable with some degree of accuracy. Peterson pipes made during the majority of this period had no “Country of Manufacture” (COM) stamped on them.
If the son is old enough, he decides to become a doctor and Peterson takes over the shares in the company. The company is renamed Kapp & Peterson.In 1890 Peterson came with the system pipe, a great invention that is still the basis for the ever-continued success of this brand. The system pipe has a separate space in the pipe, where the moisture can collect, chacom tobacco pipes making the pipe cool and dry. A few years later the P-Lip, the unique Peterson mouthpiece, appears. This characterizes the company, which continues to make the same models. Generally when pipe smokers get together and discuss the system pipes they are divided as towhether they like or dislike them,in particular the P lip stem which has many detractors.
He considers that at the end of the day, a pipe is a consumer product, loosely defined and the consumer wants something new every so often. There are captain black tobacco fourteen models to choose from, with a choice of highlypolished or rustic finish. Nearly all are bent s,except for one straight model (Reference 31).
Here are photo’s of this marvelous unique pipe, now complete once more. Tom also believes that, ”the major changes have been refocussing our outlook on the smoker and given him variety and something to look forward to every year.” In 1899, Peterson opened the first in a series of several successive shops in London, England, that lasted until the late 1960s/70s. Please note though that if you choose shipping via first class, your package is not trackable and we are not responsible for lost packages. The online store is always open – you can shop with confidence at all hours of the day, from anywhere in the world.
Designed as a hand holding a flaming sword in Irish “an Claíomh Solais” or “sword of light” the mark bears the date 1916 to the right above and 1966 to the left below. An Claidheamh Soluis (Old Irish spelling), this was hallmarked with the letter Y. This very unusual and special date mark has in recent years become very scarce, mainly because it was only used for that year. Pipes that were marked thus, are much sought after by Peterson pipe collectors. 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.
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. Normally with the newer unsmoked high grades that come into my collection, they peterson pipes remain un smoked. However I made an exception with this beauty and boy it was worth it. 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.