{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. For me, they also offer a bowl capacity that I like and a balance in the hand that I appreciate.|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. The natural Walnut finish harkens back to the comparable preRepublic bowls. 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 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. The Peterson system range was invented by Charles Peterson back in the late 1800's and has been Petersons biggest selling pipe for over a century.} {The company makes high quality pieces in their Dublin-based factory. The first one is the patented "Peterson System", a deep reservoir that cools down and softens the smoke. This system is peculiar to bent pipes, and makes them even more enjoyeable. The second revolution Peterson brought to the pipe industry was the "P-Lip", a stem that directs smoke towards the palate insted of the tongue. On our online store, you will find a large choice of Peterson pipes, including the traditional lines "Sherlock Holmes", "Standard", "Aran", "Churchwarden", "Kapp Royal"... In 1898 another of Peterson's innovative pipe inventions became available and was also patented.|The K&P shop was extensively damaged during the military action at this time (see attached newspaper report). The commencement of the year 2015 will see the Peterson brand celebrating its 150th anniversary. This event will coincide with the publication and launch of a new detailed Peterson reference book, in tandem with a new commemorative pipe issue. It is hoped that the launch will take place in May of 2015 at the Chicagoland International Pipe & Tobacciana Show, held every year at the Pheasant Run Resort in St Charles, Illinois.|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. The Nurnberg brothers Friedrich and Heinrich Kapp, whose elegant Dublin tobacconist first opened for business in 1865 on Grafton Street, Dublin could scarcely have dreamt that they would participate in the birth of a legend. I wrote to Mark Irwin and asked where I could find information on the GH stamp on this particular pipe. 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. This is probably the most popular group of modern Peterson pipes for collectors, offering good variety and choice at very fair pricing. Here are photo's of this marvelous unique pipe, now complete once more.} {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. Today the business is owned and managed by Tom Palmer from their head office at the Sallynoggin factory in Dublin, Ireland. Frederick would soon bring on Latvian immigrant Charles Peterson, and they went about renovating their styles and beginning a brand new way to think about and craft a tobacco pipe. By 1896, they were getting recognized in the 1896 International Tobacco Trades Exhibition in London with two gold medals, for "Best Finished Pipe" and "Best Patent Pipe." A few weeks ago, I received an email from a customer, Ted about some pipe work for him.|As well as being excellent everyday smoking pipes, they are also very collectible. Particularly the Patents, Pre-Republics and original Mark Twain's, all of which command reasonably consistent, estate prices at auction. 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.|We know how smoking tobacco pipe owners loved their pipes – the feel of the pipe in our hands, the sensation of the stem on our lips when enjoying our favorite tobacco mix. Peterson pipes, made in Ireland, provide the pipe smoker with a wide selection of briars. The story of Peterson begins in England in the mid-19th century when the two German immigrants Georg and Friedrich Kapp opened a meerschaum pipe shop in London in 1865. There he met the young Lithuanian immigrant Karl Christoph Peterson, who as a craftsman had developed a knack for making pipes.} {The first is the enjoyment you get from smoking quality pipe tobacco. The second is you get a specific pipe because of the "inherent beauty that is in the pipe." 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.|Second issue c.1979 as Kildare Patch, with rusticated patches on the pipe surface. Third issue 2010, matte brown, P-lip or fishtail mouthpiece, no band. Fourth issue 2011-burgundy sandblast finish, nickel army mount, fishtail mouthpiece, exclusive to Smokingpipes.com. Kildare (1965-) First issue of line with matte-finish in Classic Range shapes, P-Lip and fishtail mouthpiece. Second issue C.1979 as Kildare Patch, with rusticated patches on pipe surface. Third issue 2010, matte-brown, P-Lip or fishtail mouthpiece, no band.|Charles Peterson, who was born in Latvia, worked as a pipe maker in the meerschaum factory of Friedrich Kapp, who emigrated from Nuremberg and ran a renowned tobacco boutique on Grafton Street in Dublin. Here the smoke is directed selectively into the throat area and thus protects sensitive tongues. Most Peterson pipe series are also available with a regular mouthpiece (FT - Fishtail).} {Fourth issue 2011-, burgundy sandblast finish, nickel army mount, fishtail mouthpiece, exclusive to smokingpipes.com. Flying in the face of the condemnation of smoking on health grounds, the pipe appears to be going through a gradual upturn in popularity. No longer considered the province of older middle aged males, it appears to be gaining in popularity, particularly with significant numbers of younger people.|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. There must have been a fourth production of Mark Twain pipes, for there is evidence of Mark Twain pipes with silver dates for the 1990s. The story of Peterson Pipes starts in 1865 when in a pipe factory in London founded by Brothers Fredrick and George Kapp. In 1875 Fredrick Kapp founds his Dublin based tobacconist and takes the scene by storm. Enter Charles Peterson who in 1875 proposed a new revolutionary style of pipes to Fredrick.|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. 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.} {This extension on the earlier pipes will be of brass and the newer pipes will be of aluminium. Most smokers not knowing this function of the metal extension, assumes that it is a condenser/stinger and will remove it as they do with the metal condensers of Kaywoodie, etc. Should you have a System pipe with this metal extension, do not remove it for it will make the System function properly and give you a dryer smoke.|Dublin hallmarks for sterling are Hibernia, crowned harp and a letter denoting the year. Recently I acquired a wonderful and very unique Peterson pipe. The pipe was in need of some restoration, as its original stem was missing. It is an 1896 bent Patent Deluxe.The original saddle stem which was missing, was probably an Amber one.|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 Peterson pipes. Regular Email correspondence requesting clarification on grades has shown me that it begs clarification. 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".} {In the early days there was no system as such, I would in fact say it was somewhat chaotic ! The old shop on Grafton Street, which was all on one level and had limited space to accommodate large amounts of display stock. 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 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. The new shop, formerly the John Morton Jewellers and Silversmiths, first opened its doors in 1875.|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). 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. To smoke a Peterson pipe is to have the satisfaction of holding in your hand the legacy of Charles Peterson, the founder of the brand.|Inevitably they come in their original packaging and to my mind, are a window back in time. As young Latvian talented pipe maker from Riga, Charles Peterson joined Kapp in 1865. This firm was created in 1865 from two German brothers who initially emigrated to London, one of whom later opened a shop in Dublin. Around 1876, Peterson was hired to make tobacco pipes on order. After the death of both brothers, Peterson takes things for the son, who is still too young to run a business.} {However, the tried and tested traditional recipes have been retained. As before, only exquisite ingredients are used, so that fans of classically pure pipe tobacco and lovers of flavored varieties get their money's worth. I have to admit that I am smitten by this new series from Peterson. They epitomize my ideal pipe, both in looks and functionality. I also enjoy how tactile these pipes are, they snuggle in beautifully in the hand.|The company is based in Dublin and has, along with traditional shapes and materials, created a new expansive line of pipes, that you will find a wide variety of on this site. As you would expect the XL shapes are basically larger versions of the standard range, but some are unique and little more unusal. These larger shapes can be found within the many series of finishes that Peterson produce, although the most popular XL shapes are the Sherlock Holmes selections. While crafting quality, innovative tobacco pipes has been central to our brand, we understand the importance of possessing smoking accessories of the same calibre. From pipe pouches to rustic tampers and sleek lighters, our accessories complement our tradition of craftsmanship, each tailored to pair elegantly with our pipes. I often cringe at some of the negative comments made on popular pipe forums, in regard to the quality and finish of Peterson pipes.|I am confident that the future looks bright for the modern Peterson era of pipe manufacture. Since Tom Palmer took over the business in 1990 he has continued to create a much more efficient production cycle of the pipes being manufactured at their premises in Dublin. 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.}