In other words, the firm’s history could be divided into two periods – the period of “pipes for everyone” and the period of “pipes for the discerning”. 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. I am privileged in that I have a good variety of both entry and higher grade chacom tobacco pipes within my collection. In my humble opinion, Peterson have been consistent throughout their production of higher end pipes, in replicating a tradition of Celtic quality, at very reasonable prices.
The higher grade Celtic natural finish series of pipes is not cheap to purchase, being at the top end of the higher grade pipes. They usually retail at around $300 – $400, and similar in quality to the Royal Irish series, they are comparatively rare and scarce, with few retailers currently offering them for sale. 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.
Fredrick and George Kapp arrived in London in 1865, and in 1874 Fredrick was already in Dublin. In the shop on Grafton Street briar pipes were introduced alongside the Meerschaums. Frederick’s encounter with Charles Peterson occurred in around 1876, while in 1891 the Peterson System was patented, and the P-lip in 1898. The first major increase in sales came about in the 1890s, as in addition to the successful patents the firm had an excellent contract supplying pipes to the British Army. This 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.
Charles Peterson died shortly after retiring and moving to Hamburg in Germany in 1919 where he is buried. The original 1890 ‘system’ pipe patent expired at around this time. Around 1916, Peterson began stamping peterson pipes their pipes “Made in Ireland” in what is referred to as a block format. At some time around 1874 Fredrick moved to Dublin.while brother George remained in London until his death 5 years later.
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. During the last hundred years, Peterson has grown tremendously without losing sight of its original dedication to quality, handcrafted products at a reasonable price.