The opening in fishtail mouthpieces is available in several sizes in order for the smoker to have options as to how much smoke they can get with each draw. Straight out of Ireland comes the much respected pipe brand, Peterson. Pipes so beautiful, you’ll want to preserve them for generations to come. Of course if you do decide to smoke out of it, Peterson has a talent for designing pipes in such a way that the finish is smooth and there is no burn left from the tar. Most pipes come in either traditional stem or famous Peterson “P-Lip” which pushes the smoke towards the roof of the mouth to help avoid tongue burning. Innovations like this are what set Peterson apart as pipe to be taken seriously.
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. Thereafter they condemn all Peterson pipes, based on that poor experience.
This was only for pipes issued and sold from Shannon airport and was not the same as the present day Shannon series. I have to admit that I am smitten by this new series from Peterson. I also enjoy how tactile these pipes are, they snuggle in beautifully in the hand. With the pipes being so big I would imagine they will not be to everyone’s taste. My own view is somewhat biased, the Darwins were probably tailor made with me in mind!! I find them brilliant smokers, the bowls never heat up, because they are so large and the shape is so very comfortable for longer periods of smoking.
chacom tobacco pipesThe 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.
Modelled after the old clay tavern pipes of yesteryear, they are among our most slender and elegant designs, featuring a number of smaller bowl shapes paired to elongated fishtail mouthpieces, and available in a variety of finishes. Apart from the unique example of the Coronation pipe (1902) K&P’s business policy had never contemplated commemorative pipes. However, times change and 1975 was a special year, being the firm’s centenary. During that time it was thought that the firm had been established in 1875, but recently further extensive research has unearthed more evidence to suggest that the firm may have been founded ten years earlier. Thus, in 1975 to celebrate the centenary two different models were issued (one straight and one bent) with one hundred pieces of each type. The P-Lip mouthpiece was originally designed by Charles Peterson in 1865.
chacom tobacco pipesThis led to the creation of the military mount, which we will deal with later. An 1896 catalogue reflects a well-established firm, proud of its innovations and able to provide a good range of pipe models. Another catalogue, from 1905, displays a remarkable increase in the various models on offer. Pipes were the in-thing at that time, brought back into fashion after the decline of snuff and boosted by the introduction of briar, and there was no serious competition from cigars and cigarettes yet. Throughout the first half of the twentieth century K&P went steadily on, apart from the obvious difficulties in obtaining briar during the war. Compared to pipes it offered a smoke that seemed more “modern” and suitable for increasingly frenetic lifestyles.
Peterson pipes made during the majority of this period had no “Country of Manufacture” (COM) stamped on them. However, later around 1916, they began stamping their pipes “Made in Ireland” in a block format. The Peterson brand of pipes are one of the most recognised in the world. They have been manufacturing pipes as a business in Ireland since the 19th century.
In the last few decades it has been Tom Palmer who has contributed to the firm’s success with his innovations. As a long time smoker of Peterson pipes I have found them totally dependable as basic smoking instruments. I am willing to concede that we are all different in our tastes and choices, mine possibly being an extreme viewpoint of the Peterson brand. However in defence, my knowledge is based on years of ownership and experience of the myriad selection of pipes that Peterson have produced and are still producing.