A Practical Solution

Speaking purely as a collector,a major contributor to marital harmony is where and how to house my pipe collection in an acceptable fashion!
As some of the regular readers of the Blog will know,I had previously incurred the wrath of 'she who must be obeyed'.My previous solution for pipe storage was not acceptable and promised an ongoing war of attrition.

After many weeks of mental trauma and limited conversation,I came up with an acceptable solution.I showed my good lady an example of a Peterson storage solution,in the form of one of their 12 pipe storage cartridges.

I assured her that I would divert my meagre allowance toward the purchase of enough of these to house the majority of my current Peterson collection.
After many months of sacrifice and curtailment of more regular capital spending on Peterson pretties,I have now broken the back of this impediment to my pleasure.
After purchasing 25 of these cartridges I now have some degree of my former matrimonial harmony.Coupled to a reduction in regular dusting and cleaning and the bonus of fewer cases of stem oxidation.I think this practical solution has been worth it.

New Peterson Pipe lighter Range.

I was pleased to hear that Peterson were bringing out a new range of quality pipe lighters.I am a great fan of the Old Boy lighters and see the new Pete ones competing well with that sort of quality range.I hope to acquire one or two and compare them in due course.

The Lighters are now displayed on Peterson's website, http://www.peterson.ie/pipes/peterson-pipe-lighters.html  and the first shipment are already on their way to the distributors – they should be in the shops within the next month or so priced around £60.

Here are some publicity shots .

A golden Opportunity.

A golden Opportunity.

I was recently given the opportunity to purchase a brand new, top of the range, Peterson Gold Straight Grain pipe, at a much reduced price. Usually these quality pipes are retailing for around $500-$800.It is a fine example of the Holy Grail of modern-era Peterson pipes- the Straight Grain.

While the Supreme is Peterson's highest grade in their standard line, the Straight Grain is by far the rarest and most sought-after grade that Peterson produces ... and they make only a handful, if that, a year. You cannot special-order a pipe in this grade, and you will seldom see them being advertised or at any pipe shows - they are just not available.

This particular pipe is a gold mounted straight grain Peterson XL14 pipe,similar in shape to the Sherlock Holmes 'Deerstalker'. The pipe has a slight imperfection(spot) on the gold band and is therefore regarded as a 2nd quality. You will note in the photos that the imperfection is almost imperceptible.

I still think I got a very beautiful pipe at the bargain price of $345.It is a rare opportunity to own a true high grade Peterson. Not a golden opportunity to be passed by.

Photos below.

 

Can you keep a secret?

Can you keep a secret?

There is a Peterson pipe that is well crafted, with silver adornment for around $90, the Silver Mounted Army Peterson range.

This series, which comes in a range of 9 shapes, is particularly favoured by outdoor smokers. Each pipe comes in a rich Walnut brown matt finish and  is fitted with a fine sterling silver mount and army style Peterson lip mouthpiece,although fishtail stem versions can be sourced.
The series is similar to the Peterson Irish Army, except this one comes with a sterling silver mount instead of a nickel one. It can also be sourced in a Red colour finish.
The ones I have ,mainly shape 68 and 69 are great smokers and suit me as a vest pipe which is easily broken down and fits into my vest pockets with ease. I regularly smoke both the P-lip and the fishtail versions and I am comfortable with both.
I am amazed that these grand wee pipes cost so little,in my opinion they are excellent value for money and would be a great introduction to any new pipe smokers thinking of trying the Peterson brand.

I think I have blown my secret now! I suppose it is too late and I will have to show you some of my 68's and 69's.

A short tour of the Brucciani shop.-My local B&M.

The Brucciani shop located in the UK city of Carlisle, is a family run traditional tobacconist with over 100 years of history. Currently owned and run in partnership by two brothers, Andrew &
Chris Corrieri. Each with approximately 20 years combined experience in the
tobacco trade.
They have adopted the mentality of their previous family generations,i.e. that which drives them
to obtain anything specific that a customer can not be without. Whether
it be a pipe, lighter,  tobacco blend or cigar, they will always go out of
there way to obtain the product in question. With this positive mind set the brothers have earned a well respected International reputation for service. Particularly so with Peterson Pipe enthusiasts throughout the world.
I am fortunate,in that I live relatively near the Scottish Border and can visit the shop occasionally during the year. It is always a pleasure to visit their shop,of course being the nearest B&M I am unashamedly biased!

Both Andrew and Chris are very supportive of the new fledgling International Peterson Pipe Club.

Knowing how popular these guys are with many Pete pipe enthusiasts,I thought it would be interesting to do a short piece on them and let the world Pete Nuts visualise the Aladdin's cave and also post a photo of the main man Chris.

Please also find a short Wikipedia piece on the City of Carlisle which graphically illustrates its geographic position relative to the rest of the UK.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlisle,_Cumbria

There is also a link to the shop on the useful links column ,on the right hand side of this page.


Here are some shots of the shop and Chris himself,I hope you enjoy the tour!

New Peterson Book.

New Peterson Book – The Peterson Pipe Chronicles

The question of a suitable reference book on the Peterson brand of pipes has long been a major topic of discussion whenever Peterson aficionados gather together. It is somewhat ironic to realize that a comprehensive reference book has never been produced for a pipe company that has been around since 1865. I am very privileged to announce that this anomaly is about to be rectified—

With the approval and participation of Peterson's CEO, Tom Palmer, a knowledgeable group of Peterson collectors and enthusiasts have recently teamed up to form a working editorial group, which includes:

Mr Jim Lilley

Mr Tom Palmer

Dr. Mark Irwin

Mr Gary Malmberg

Mr Charles(Chuck) Wright

Mr Ed McMullen

—this with the aim of publishing a good quality illustrated reference book that Peterson fans and enthusiasts the world over will appreciate for many years to come. The book will document the history of Kapp & Peterson insofar as it can be ascertained, celebrating pipes from the Pre-Patent, Patent, Pre-Republic, Post-Republic and Modern eras.

We invite the assistance of Peterson pipemen the world over to ensure this be an authoritative and colorful reference work.

If you have any rare historical information, photographs, anecdotes or text to contribute, please contact our project manager Mark Irwin,at pete@afinemess.org for a submissions guide. All contributors will be noted on a special contributors’ page and credit will be given for any submission used in the production of this book.

Thank you.

Jim

Here is a copy of the advert which we will be circulating to announce the project.

New Best Friend.

Just like a big kid I enjoy having new best friends.This also has parallels with pipes for me.As seen in my previous 'Notes From The Pete Bog',one of my current favourite Peterson Pipe shapes is the magnificent chunky B10 Dublin.

Recently I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to purchase a beautiful B10 Rosslare Royal Irish.
Having made my choice of pipe I was amazed that it arrived within only a couple of days,brilliant service.

Typically the pipes always look much better in the 'flesh' so to speak.This one was a complete surprise to me in that I have not been a great fan of the recent so called Peterson natural finishes,however I was very pleasantly surprised ,the bowl is beautifully finished in a nice toned down stain,just the way I like them.
Quality of finish is what you would expect from this top of the range Royal Irish,outstanding and very handsome.Please judge for yourselves.

June 2011 edition of 'Notes from the Pete Bog'.

Welcome to the June 2011 edition of 'Notes from the Pete Bog'.

As the glorious month of June is 'busting' out all over here in Scotland. I bid you welcome to the latest edition of my 'Notes from the Pete Bog'. I hope you enjoy the experience and continue to return regularly for more of the same.

These brief quarterly notes are my personal ramblings and musings, a primarily light-hearted look at all things Peterson and other Celtic (Scots/Irish) pipe/tobacco related topics. They may be of general interest to all of you Pete Nuts. Health warning, not to be taken too seriously!

Favourite Peterson pipe shapes.- I always think that the number of Peterson pipe series which have and still are being issued can be somewhat overwhelming for those enthusiasts who have just started their obsession with the Peterson brand. Naturally we all, as individuals, have our favourites.

As my collection grows, I find that the choice available to me creates an ebb and flow of what are my current favourites. Just now those include the marvellous B series such as the B10,B11 and B42.

Bog link of interest.- The official website of Michael Londra a modern Irish tenor, recording Classical Crossover and Celtic - Irish music. http://www.michaellondra.com/ Irish tenor, recording Classical Crossover and Celtic - Irish music and classics like Danny

Bog factoid (a note or article of general interest to Pete Nuts).-

The late Thin Lizzy singer,Phil Lynott's statue and Dublin exhibition.

At any given time, die-hard Phil Lynott fans can find good reason to visit Dublin, Ireland -- but recently the incentive to visit the late great Thin Lizzy singer's home town has increased greatly due to the ongoing life exhibition. An impressive, large scale and reverential expo dedicated to the iconic Irish rock figure.

Since his premature death 25 years ago Lizzy fanatics (and there are many) have been making pilgrimages to Lynott's grave in Saint Fintan’s Cemetery in Sutton (8 miles north of Dublin City centre on the Howth Peninsula) and placing flowers and sundry Thin Lizzy memorabilia by the singer's headstone which, fittingly, is designed by a local Irish artist.

Another major attraction in Dublin for Lynott/Lizzy fans is the life size bronze statue (above) of Lynott leaning on his guitar outside a pub on Harry Street just off Grafton Street -- a high foot traffic Dublin city centre thoroughfare. Since it was erected six years ago the statue's draw has matched that of monuments and statues dedicated to other key Irish historical figures.

Favourite Pipe Film –“The Maggie” Another great old Ealing comedy about a nefarious crew of sailors on an old Scottish Clyde Puffer boat in the 1950's. Even the introductory Film title had a Peterson system pipe resting on a map! http://www.ftmovie.com/the-maggie-movie.html

Pipe Poem - “Edifying Thoughts of a Tobacco Smoker.”

Whene'er I take my pipe and stuff it
And smoke to pass the time away,
My thoughts, as I sit there and puff it,
Dwell on a picture sad and gray:
It teaches me that very like
Am I myself unto my pipe.

Like me, this pipe so fragrant burning
Is made of naught but earth and clay;
To earth I too shall be returning.
It falls and, ere I'd think to say,
It breaks in two before my eyes;
In store for me a like fate lies.
No stain the pipe's hue yet doth darken;
It remains white. Thus do I know
That when to death's call I must harken
My body, too, all pale will grow.
To black beneath the sod 'twil turn,
Likewise the pipe, if oft it burn.

Or when the pipe is fairly glowing,
Behold then, instantaneously,
The smoke off into thin air going,
Till naught but ash is left to see.
Man's fame likewise away will burn
And unto dust his body turn.

How oft it happens when one's smoking:
The stopper's missing from its shelf,
And one goes with one's finger poking
Into the bowl and burns oneself.
If in the pipe such pain doth dwell,
How hot must be the pains of Hell.

Thus o'er my pipe, in contemplation
Of such things, I can constantly
Indulge in fruitful meditation,
And so, puffing contentedly,
On land, on sea, at home, abroad,
I smoke my pipe and worship God.

Johann Sebastian Bach.

Useful things.- I am a great fan of Dave Walker of Walkerbriarworks stem repair kit. http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/stem_restore_kit.html

I have been using this kit for years now and swear by it for major refurb jobs.

Please look out for the next edition of 'Notes from The Pete Bog' and

“Lang may yer Lum reek”.This was an old Scot's farewell greeting, which hoped that the person receiving the greeting, always had smoke coming from their house fire chimney.