Peterson 1949-1963 Deluxe System 4S Smooth Bent Billiard w/ Bone Condenser 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.

Forgive me for sounding too much like a salesman here, but this is a rather special Peterson Deluxe, one that is different from any such pipe that has been available for purchase for over 50 years. First, however, let’s cover some basics.
The Deluxe System is ostensibly a high-end Peterson System pipe. In other words, if you’re a big fan of the moisture reservoir and P-Lip combination found on Peterson System Standard and Premier pipes, the Deluxe System is the next step up from there. Unlike the System Standard, the Deluxe features a sterling silver army mount, as well as a screw-in condenser to create an even cooler, drier smoking experience; unlike the Premier, on the other hand, all Deluxe designs feature Peterson’s signature space-fitting tenon, which compensates for natural wear over time, while also giving such pipes their unmistakable aesthetic. What are now called Deluxe System pipes have been in Peterson’s catalog since the late 19th century, marking one of the most successful and enduring visual and technical achievements in pipe design ever created.
Now, onto what’s special about this Deluxe. Today, Peterson uses aluminum for the condensers on its Premier and Deluxe System pipes, but this was not always the case. In fact, according to the ever-reliable Peterson historian Mark Irwin, Peterson manufactured System condensers from bone right up until 1963, after which the switch was made to aluminum. Such is the case for this Peterson, which was manufactured some time between the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in 1949 and 1963 (a more precise dating is not possible as Peterson did not use date marks on their sterling silver mounts from 1939 until 1969—again, per Mark Irwin).

The condition is good. Some rim charring and handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 6.8″ / 172.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.75 / 19.05mm

Bowl Depth: 1.63″ / 41.40mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g