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. 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). 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.
Its rapid rise varied according to the different markets, but in 1950 in Great Britain it accounted for 84% of tobacco consumption, compared to 31% in Spain, 37% in Germany, 72% in the USA and 76% in Austria. The trend was irreversible and within a few decades pipe smoking declined in popularity everywhere. How did a great, traditional manufacturer with loyal customers worldwide address this problem? Initially the firm withstood the drop in sales on one market by trying to recover on another, but sales were still declining so countermeasures were sought. Fredrick Henry Kapp, the founder’s grandson, died in 1972 and a year later the company merged with another group, and changed hands several times in the following years.
captain black tobaccoThey 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 remain un smoked. However I made an exception with this beauty and boy it was worth it. In 1985 there was a 3rd numbered limited edition of 1000 pipes issued to commemorate the writer’s 150th birthday anniversary.1835 – 1985. These were all gold banded and in a special presentation box in the shape of a Twain book.
Today the business is owned and managed by Tom Palmer from their head office at the Sallynoggin factory in Dublin, Ireland. The Peterson pipes are some of the most recognisable pipes in the world. 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. You must be 21 years or older to make any selections on this site – by doing so, you are confirming that you are of legal age to purchase tobacco products or smoking accessories. As the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, we at Peterson have a certain tradition to uphold, a legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 150 years. Whether you’re browsing for your very first pipe or are a seasoned collector in search of a rare gem, know that every pipe in our catalogue carries with it that same preservation of tradition.
The new shop, formerly the John Morton Jewellers and Silversmiths, first opened its doors in 1875. This firm featured in the news when a Celtic salver with the special commemorative hallmark of ‘An Claidheamh Soluis’ (Sword of Light) to mark the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916, went for sale on Ebay. The shop has seen a lot of history, it was located just around the corner from the end of Grafton St. on Nassau St.one side of which is the campus of Trinity College. 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.
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. Peterson pipes are beautiful and carved for both aesthetics and immense smoking pleasure for both the experienced pipe smoker and the beginner. Heritage and tradition are essential for the Peterson brand and their commitment to their origins results in world-class pipe making.
A few years later the P-Lip, the unique Peterson mouthpiece, appears. This characterizes the company, which continues to make the same models. The pipe that had belonged to Mark Twain and was now housed in a museum was in fact a Peterson from 1896. This was an opportunity that was too good to miss on occasion of the centenary, and the firm targeted potential American customers who would be especially fond of the author and would be drawn to the collections. A replica of Mark Twain’s pipe in high quality briar mounted in gold was issued in a limited numbered edition of 400 pipes, and sold out instantly. In the following year, a second identical numbered edition was issued, this time a thousand pipes, together with another 2,500 silver-mounted pipes, and these also swiftly sold out.
At the beginning we mentioned the notion of the jungle when referring to what K&P has offered and still offers its loyal customers. Having reached this far, the definition may not be exaggerated, also considering that we have had to simplify things somewhat in order not to lose the thread of the discussion. However, it may be precisely this “Irish jungle” which is the distinguishing and appealing feature of the Dublin firm. 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.
Dublin hallmarks for sterling are Hibernia, crowned harp and a letter denoting the year. The Peterson Manx (Laxey Pipes Ltd.) Isle of Man factory partnership ceased operation about 1981 and the production of all African Meerschaum pipes was moved to Dublin and continued there until 1986. This was a turbulent period for the company with the outbreak of World war 1 and the start of the Easter uprising in 1916. The K&P shop was extensively damaged during the military action at this time (see attached newspaper report). Peterson believed that a man’s smoking pipe was a signature piece of his individual style, and Peterson pipes are still made with this idea in mind today. Peterson’s opinion is that people would get a pipe for two reasons.
The Peterson Tobacco Company has been a family business since 1865 and has been manufacturing pipe tobacco that is famous throughout the world. The pre-republic Peterson’s are often considered to be rather special by Peterson pipe smokers.They hark back to a time when quality briar was in abundance and craftsmanship was of the highest level. Like all collecting desirables, pre-republic pipes are now relatively hard to come by, with availability declining with each passing year. The amazing thing that I find with pre-Republic’s is the consistently high smoking qualities that they show, regardless of being a high or low grade issue. No it is not that I am looking through rose tinted glasses and being sentimental, they really were very well made. What makes the Peterson brand unique is their ‘Dry System’ pipes, which feature a small reservoir designed to collect moisture before it reaches the smoker.