Shortly thereafter, a Latvian immigrant, Charles Peterson, strolled into the Kapp workshop and declared that he could make better pipes than they could. They vary in price from the Ebony and Ivory at around $300 and up to $1000 for the River, 6 pipe set. The first hallmark on this pipe is what is noted as Hibernia – a seated woman with her arm on a harp. I’d love to regain these to a workable state if possible; they are lovely pipes. The other is an unfortunate Savinelli; the actual wood is broken, right at the connection between pipe body and stem. One is a Peterson 2018 Pipe of the Year, Smooth Fishtail.
I looked for the pipe on Pipephil and online and was not able to find any verification for who made the pipe for Peterson’s. I suppose that I will never know for sure but it appears that the pipe was made on the Isle of Man for export for another European pipe company. I am guessing that this one came from the time period of the late 60s or early 70s.
This one is a 53 Lovat that has a rich coloured finish with amazing grain around the bowl sides and shank. It also came to us from the estate of Anglican minister that was a great captain black tobacco friend of mine here in Canada. The P-Lip mouthpiece was originally designed by Charles Peterson in 1865. Peterson designed the mouthpiece as part of his Dry System pipe design.
As for the aesthetics and ergonomics, I find some shapes much more attractive than others. Favourites for me are the 1s, 2s, 3s, the Mark Twains and the Darwin deluxe. As far as value and cost is concerned, for the excellent quality finish, these are competitively priced at around $135 to $250 depending on size and briar grade. 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.
There was also a miniature version of Sherlock Holmes pipes issued around the same time. These were smaller bowled pipes at around two thirds the size of the originals and replicated those shapes. 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.
This one is an apple shaped pipe that has facets around the bowl and shank. The rim top is flumed as was the style of the 60s and 70s. It came to us from the estate of Anglican minister that was a great friend of mine here in Canada.