Peterson (c. 1938-45) System Standard 314 Smooth Estate Briar Pipe, Irish Estates

Description

Peterson pipes generally need no introduction, but just in case you’re unfamiliar: in 1876, a Latvian named Charles Peterson immigrated to Ireland and was hired making pipes in a workshop owned by Frederick and George Kapp. After rising through the ranks to become head craftsman, Peterson bought into the Kapp’s business, which was renamed, Kapp & Peterson (K&P). During this time, Peterson himself applied for several patents for pipe designs, including the world-famous Peterson’s System. Since then, Peterson has become one of the most recognizable names in pipe smoking and continues to produce high quality pipes from their headquarters in Dublin.

Speaking of Peterson’s System, this pipe is an example of exactly that. What looks like a simple, bent billiard – or perhaps an Oom Paul – hides within its shank a reservoir for collecting moisture produced during the smoke. This is coupled with a ‘P-lip’ stem that channels the smoke up inside one’s mouth so as to cool it and reduce tongue bite.

But this is not just any Peterson System pipe. Based on the circle format “MADE IN EIRE” country of manufacture stamp, this pipe should be, per the dating guides provided by Mike Leverette’s and others, around eighty years old. Ireland as a country in its own right, independent of British rule, was established in 1949, but prior to this, a number of attempts were made by Irish citizens to separate from the British commonwealth. Saorstát Éireann (or, in English, the Irish Free State) which existed between 1922-37, was one example. This was succeeded by Éire (Ireland), which lasted until 1949, when the Republic of Ireland gained full independence from Britain (aside from a certain number of counties in the north, but let’s not get into that). Peterson collectors particularly enjoy so-called Pre-Republic pipes, i.e., those made before the Republic of Ireland came into being. Due to the ever-evolving issue of sovereignty in those years, Peterson pipes are stamped in various ways, depending on the year. This one happens to be from when Peterson used “Éire” as a country of manufacture stamped on its pipes, discontinuing this practice in favor of the Anglicized “Ireland” during the 1940s.

The condition is fair. There’s some wear to the rim, including some inner rim charring, the chamber looks slightly over-reamed, the stamping is a little faint (but legible) and there are some scratches and worn out fills around the bowl. This last part is to be somewhat expected, on account of the Second World War and its impact on the availability of briar.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.74 / 18.79mm

Bowl Depth: 1.36″ / 34.54mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g