Peterson 1950s Killarney Natural 999 Rhodesian 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.

You may have seen Peterson’s Killarney pipes before, such as the Killarney and Killarney Red lines sold by the make today. This Killarney is not one of those pipes, but not just because it wears a natural stain rather than a black or red one. Peterson historian Mark Irwin has documented that the earliest known records of the Killarney (in “Plum” and “Natural” finishes) are from 1949, with the Natural last appearing in a 1957 catalog. Irwin’s findings indicate a pipe like this one will have been made between 1953 (the debut of the iconic shape “999” “John Bull” Rhodesian in the Killarney line) and the late 1950s. On a last note from Irwin, the Killarney Natural was the higher grade of the two Killarney pipes offered in the 1950s, with this particular pipe being made for American import (hence the “Made in Ireland” stamp). The grain is, as expected, very nice indeed.

The condition is good. A couple of worn out fills, slight finish fading, slightly faded nomenclature, and minor inner rim charring.

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.15″ / 29.21mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g