From being a tool that was almost “necessary” and commonly used, it was slowly becoming a specially chosen, cherished object, and the type of users were also becoming more motivated. Thus, in order to keep this changing clientele, innovative models were created to arouse their curiosity, and also to encourage them to collect all the models in a certain series. In other words, an updated business policy which was a marketing ploy that was in line with the general evolution of tastes, thanks to which the astute manufacturers succeeded in remaining highly competitive. Indeed, not only was the market consolidated, but new generations of pipe users were also attracted by the special aura surrounding pipe smoking, who were certainly convinced and satisfied.
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. Throughout the early eighties they made several batches of so-called numbered limited editions.Culminating in 1985 with their Mark Twain 150th Gold anniversary. The pipe was in need of some restoration, as its original stem was missing.
The natural Walnut finish harkens back to the comparable preRepublic bowls. 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’. 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.
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.
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. Tom also believes that, ”the major changes have been re-focussing our outlook on the smoker and given him variety and something to look forward to every year.
Before it was Peterson Pipes it was the Kapp Brothers – Friedrich and Heinrich Kapp, German immigrants to Ireland from Nürnberg, Germany, who founded the famed Kapp Brothers store on Grafton Street, Dublin, in 1865. Then one day a Latvian immigrant, Charles Peterson, strolled into the Kapp workshop and declared that he could make better pipes than they. Armed with an imaginative flair for pipes and a craftsman’s background, Peterson not only proved himself correct, but became the third partner in the fledgling firm. Perhaps the most notable design from the Kapp and Peterson factory was Peterson’s famed ‘Dry System’ pipes, patented in 1894. 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 and the “disgusting juice” that is the bane of every pipe smoker. Indeed, it is on this groundbreaking design that the worldwide reputation of Peterson rests.
peterson pipesFor 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. 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.
captain black tobaccoDuring the last hundred years, Peterson has grown tremendously without losing sight of its original dedication to quality, handcrafted products at a reasonable price. The Fishtail mouthpiece design is the standard design for most pipes. The external shape of a fishtail mouthpiece is primarily cosmetic, but it does assist in retention of the pipe if it is being held solely by the lips or teeth.