The pipe I have is one that bears that monogram but does not appear to have ever had the sterling rim cap and was not stamped HUBER over CELEBRATION. With that information I turned my attention to working on the pipe. I often cringe at some of the negative comments made on popular pipe forums, in regard to the quality and finish of Peterson pipes. Inevitably it is the old story of a lack of knowledge or ownership of the extensive and varied choices in the range of pipes presented by Peterson. Often the negative comments are based on the writers limited experience of owning a basic entry level pipe.
According to the encyclopedia, the forked-P in several variations, while it was in use from the earliest Patent days, has also been used with some frequency well after 1949. According to my co-author Gary Malmberg, Petersons are the second most-datable pipes with a long history, after Dunhills post-1920 (which as a rule all have a date code) and Ashton. EMS is a term that has been referred to in Cuba for over a century to identify the quality of cigars designated for the British market.
There are many Peterson pipes with sterling silver bands that do not have hallmarks though, even some in the Premier and Deluxe grades. Also a pipe made in England must meet English requirements which now (and for a number of years)are only 925 for sterling. Dublin hallmarks for sterling are Hibernia, crowned harp and a letter denoting the year. 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 was also a miniature version of Sherlock Holmes pipes issued around the same time.
The new premises is on four levels, plus a tasteful basement lounge area dedicated to large displays of Cigars and walk in humidor. Knowing Tom and his dedication to his company image and promotion, I am sure that all will be completed and up and running for the chacom tobacco pipes celebration of the company’s 150 year anniversary celebrations in 2015. The former well known Peterson pipe shop on Grafton Street, Dublin has now closed and has been replaced by another, which is located a short distance away at 48 Nassau Street, Dublin 2.
I have rarely seen this series of pipes for sale previously, it has been a complete mystery as to the quality of briar, finish and smoking qualities. 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 . Regular Email correspondence requesting clarification on grades has shown me that it begs clarification.
If we needed any additional proof that this is an unsmoked pipe (!), this is it, as the bone tenon colors immediately with the first smoke. The bone tenon, according to the craftsmanship chapter’s interviews with artisans at the factory, was discontinued around 1960, when it was replaced by aluminum. So now we have a pipe whose vintage lies between 1938 and 1960 – a period of 22 years. The obverse stamping bears an arched forked-P PETERSON’S over arched SYSTEM over a straight PREMIER. ” we think—that forked-P must mean it’s an older pipe, what pipemen have called “Pre-Republic” before they were able to consult the book and learn a more precise taxonomy.
Peterson pipes are one of the few names that carry the history, prestige, and respect of the tobacco pipe world. Since 1865, the Irish pipe makers have delivered excellent pipes made with precision and care. I won’t deny it’s exciting when I first get an estate Peterson to get out the loupe and take a look at the stamping. But when I’m restoring the same pipe, it’s a little harrowing to realize that I’m sanding over a vital piece of information in order to save the rest of the pipe. No matter how easy I take it, there’s always a little bit lost. Then there’s the tenon extension, and here we hit another piece of vital information.
The result is that all the moisture flows into the reservoir and, thus cannot reach the smoker’s mouth. The Peterson Lip further enhances the effectiveness of the graduated bore by directing the flow of smoke upwards and away from the tongue. This achieves a uniquely even distribution of smoke and virtually eliminates any chance of tonguebite or bitterness. Furthermore, the shape is contoured so that the tongue rests comfortably in the depression under the opening. For the Peterson System pipes to work properly, the stem/tenon has to have an extension, the tip of which will pass by the draft hole from the bowl and into the sump. Upon the smoker drawing in smoke, this extension then directs the smoke down and around the sump to dispense a lot of the moisture before the smoke enters the extension and stem.