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.
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. I would suggest the period 1890 to 1915 is the true ‘Patent era’. From my humble observations the Patent stamping on pipes from that time, were more apparent and attributable with some degree of accuracy.
Bonds of Oxford St. London, to commission the making of a special giant classic bent pipe, with dimensions of, length 17cms, bowl height, 6.1cm, bowl chamber depth 5.5cms, internal bowl diameter 2.1cm. This is a classic shaped Peterson with hallmarked silver ferrule in smooth and rustic finishes, plus options of tapered and saddle stems. In the early 1990s Kapp & Peterson made this giant, classic full bent, smooth pipe exclusively for Bonds of Oxford Street London. Bonds seem to have an endless source of New Old Stock Peterson pipes.
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.
The external shape of a fishtail mouthpiece is primarily cosmetic, but it does assist in retention of the pipe if it is being held solely by the lips or teeth. 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.
Another feature of the Peterson System pipe that helps in removing moisture is the stem itself. It will have a relatively small draft hole entrance at the extension which will open out rapidly and then closes back down near the bit. This is probably the most popular group of modern for collectors, offering good variety and choice at very fair pricing.
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. For collectors the Patent Era appears to have been from K&P’s formation in 1890, until the expiration of the patent; through to approximately 1915. The late Mike Leverette in his ‘A Peterson Dating Guide’ extended this period to 1922.I believe this was purely to take cognisance of the P-lip patent which expired at around this time. The Peterson Manx (Laxey Pipes Ltd.) Isle of Man factory partnership ceased operation about 1981 and the production of all African Meerschaum pipes was moved to Dublin and continued there until 1986.
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. Heritage and tradition are essential for the Peterson brand and their commitment to their origins results in world-class pipe making. You must be 21 years or older to make any selections on this site – by doing so, you are confirming that you are of legal age to purchase tobacco products or smoking accessories. Here we can find the “Sherlock Holmes” series, together with a vast array of other series ( Old English, Darwin, Kapp Royal, Deluxe Systems…) and House pipes, rather large System models that are perfect for a quiet smoke at home.
Fredrick and his young family settled in the Rathmines district of Dublin. In July of the same year he opened a new shop in 53 Grafton Street selling Briar and Meerschaum pipes. The Kapp brothers, George and Frederick originally emigrated to Great Britain from Nuremburg in Bavaria.
Pipes that were marked thus, are much sought after by Peterson pipe collectors. The Peterson System is still the most popular line Peterson produce, along with the P-Lip mouthpiece. Each briar pipe is made in the Dublin factory by skilled craftsmen and enjoyed the world over. Over 100,000 pipes are made every year at the Peterson factory; traditionally most are smoked in the UK & Europe, but increasingly chacom tobacco pipes more are being enjoyed by smoker’s worldwide. 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. These are exceptional pipes for the top quality of briar, fine gold and silver mounts, shape and finish.