Another satisfying Patent reprieve.

Please excuse me indulging myself again.I never tire of saving older Petes from the graveyard!!

I thought you all might be interested in seeing evidence of this recent refurb.
It was recently acquired from Ireland,it is a cased 1903 small bent amber stem Deluxe Patent,in a fairly rough state.The main problem being that the Amber stem tip had been damaged sometime in the past.A previous owner had commissioned a unique repair, by providing a Silver lip guard to allow the pipe to be smoked.

Here are some before and after photos.The whole experience has been most satisfying.I am sure you will agree.

Peterson Dunmore Series

Peterson Dunmore Series

I have been looking for some technical information on the 'Dunmore' series of pipes.
This series has intrigued me for some time now, as it appears to have quite a few variants.
I hoped to clarify the background to this excellent series of fine smoking pipes.

The early  Dunmore series was first produced in the 1970/1980s.At this time the distinctive beading was on the shank of the pipe.

 Quote from the 1980 Catalogue :- “Beautifully grained best quality briar in light brown matt or rustic finish".

I always thought these earlier pipes were a wee bit strange looking,similar to, but not quite Systems. To me they had the appearance of having leather finished bowls rather than briar. I know,I need new eye glasses!!

There were six models, each were fitted with the Peterson lip mouthpiece.

Large -78,79,72. Small/medium – 74,73,77.

Production ceased in the 1990's.

The newer Dunmore's were re-launched around 5 years ago. They were much different from the earlier 'System' pipes, with the distinctive beading now on the top of the bowl. The series was restricted to certain classic shapes only, including the new “B” shapes. 

Peterson decided to cease production of the Dunmore in 2010, apart from any special requests. To my mind a great pity,as I rate these quirky pipes very highly.

The first pipe,an original from the 80's, is a shape 72 with a system bowl and P-lip stem.

Next a B10 shape with a system stem.

 

Followed by a B5 with another system stem.

 

The final one is a modern,beaded rim B11 shape with an acrylic fishtail stem.

 

 The rim beading is quite apparent on the bowl.

The Donegal Rocky Series.

The Peterson Donegal Rocky is probably the most popular 'entry level' classic shape pipe that Peterson have ever produced. They have a huge Universal following amongst pipe enthusiasts who knowingly expect good quality,value for money and excellent smoking performance, relative to the price they pay. They are also a great introduction to Peterson's pipes for novice pipe smokers looking to buy their first Pete brand pipe and can be bought new for around $75.

It is a range of rugged rusticated pipes that is reputed to have originated in the 1930's. or 40's. I have tried to pin point their exact introduction and as usual find that the Peterson records for that period are very poor. The only certain catalogued reference that I can confirm, is from a very early 1960 catalogue that I have,which shows the complete Donegal Rocky range in various classic shapes.

Over the years they have changed .Originally the earlier specimens,which appear to have been of a black colour. Today's modern variants are more of a two-tone Cherry red and black colour. Some of the earlier pipes also appear to have been fitted with condensers,up until 1970.

Today's Donegal Rocky pipes are available in most of the Peterson Classic shapes and according to the latest Peterson retail catalogue,will come fitted with a sterling silver band ,when purchased with a P Lip or a Fishtail stem. Nickel bands come with Fishtail stems only. The confusion between the silver and nickel that this produces, and the subsequent wrong information and advice,can be quite amusing. It is a common topic of discussion on many pipe forums,with the usual cry,”where are the hallmarks on my sterling silver band”?

Donegal's can take a bit of time to break- in, but once it's done and a decent cake has started to form,they are fine smokers.

From my experience they are terrific work pipes,being rugged in finish and reasonably cheap to buy,they present a great case for everyday use. An added bonus is that the stem or whole pipe, are easily replaced if damaged. Or eaten by Dogs!!.

The following photos show some examples from my own collection.

First one is an elegant medium sized full bent shape 69.

Second, we have the very popular bent Rhodesian 999 shape.

Third ,is another elegant shape, from the newer 'B'series,a B11 Brandy.

The last one is my current favourite shape, another example of a Dublin or Calabash shaped B10.

Donegal Rocky B10 Plip.

Something Special!

Recently I acquired a wonderful pipe from my old friend Gary Malmberg from Second Hand Smokes.The pipe was in need of some restoration,as it's original stem was missing.

I am hoping to bring this very old and significant Peterson Patent back to it's original pristine condition.

I will be sending it to the magicians in Dublin to see if they can bring it back to life.

I have enclosed a photo of the pipe in its open case. It is an 1896 bent Patent Deluxe.

I suspect that the original saddle stem which is missing, was probably an Amber one.

So what is so special apart from it's age?

Well, it is otherwise in pristine un-smoked brand new condition, as fresh as the day it came from the factory.

The case does not reflect its age and is also in pristine condition.

The pipe is probably the oldest un-smoked Peterson in existence!! 

My recent enquiry to Tom Palmer at Peterson, has born fruit, his magicians have confirmed that it is possible to restore the stem,although it will not be an Amber one.They intend to manufacture a replacement black acrylic saddle stem to fit.

I am very pleased that they are able to assist,as I consider this to be a very significant pipe from Petersons wonderful past.Watch this space for an update.In the meantime here is a photo of this marvellous pipe.

The Pipers Favourite.

As a Scotsman I have a real affinity with this wonderful old Peterson advert.
"A think it is real brilliant, aye so it is"!!

Important Golden Oldie.

Here we have a very early 1890/91 Kapp Brothers Meerschaum. This is one of the most impressive early antique meerschaums I have had the pleasure to own.

The 1890/1 Peterson patent number is stamped clearly on the silver collar. It is also stamped with both K&P and KAPP BROS.

It is quite a large pipe ,with a nicely coloured  apple shaped bowl in good condition.

The mouthpiece is without cracks or chips or other damage, and it has a complete "orific" lip typical of this period of the 1800s,prior to the introduction of the famous Plip. (Note:- As far as it refers to pipes, it means the little rounded lumpy bit at the end of the stem/mouthpiece that stops it falling from between the teeth. It means there is just a round hole instead of a slot. The p-lip is a specialized one, most orific stems had a larger exit hole. Some were round, others were flat tapered.)

As an obsessive Peterson collector,my ambition over the years has been to acquire an example of a Kapp & Peterson pipe from the early partnership period. As the proud new custodian of this one, I feel very proud. Thank you Garry.

Here are some photos,I hope you enjoy the views.

Peterson diversity of shape.

To me one of the most attractive aspects of owning both modern and older Petersons is the marvellous diversity of shapes from which to choose.Apart from being distinctly Irish,quirky,eccentric and idiosyncratic ,they can never be accused of being boring or staid !!!

I constantly research and read about the Kapp & Peterson pipes that have been offered to pipe enthusiasts over the last 145 years. I am seldom surprised,however here are a couple of recent acquisitions that are "a bit different". I thought you might like a look at them.



The first is a huge pipe,a Magnum from around 1900.I have placed it next to a modern D6 Churchwarden just to give a sense of scale.
It is almost 20 inches long!!!


The next example is a marvellous 1916 Deluxe Amber Stem Squash Tomato shape. Very large and rotund.I find it a terrific tactile pipe to hold.
The dark briar is absolutely stunning in quality and is enhanced/complimented by the rich dark red coloured Amber stem.