Peterson 2003 Rosslare 108 Smooth Billiard w/ Silver Estate Briar Pipe, Irish Estates

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.

Debuting in 2003, the Rosslare was one of Peterson’s “High Grade” pipes within the make’s “Classic Range.” As such, they were rendered in traditional, non-System shapes from Peterson’s catalog, and were distinguished by their exemplary grain, light, slight contrast finishes, sterling silver mounts, and amber-toned acrylic mouthpieces. They were also much rarer than the average Pete, with catalogs from the time noting that only a “limited number are available each year” and that, as a consequence, the roster of available shapes was subject to the “availability of suitable raw materials.”

The Rosslare has undergone various iterations since its debut, and while it is not currently in production, it has been, over the last 20 years, appeared in rusticated finishes, or with faux-spigot mounts, or with true spigot mounts, or with vulcanite mouthpieces. Having been made in 2003, however, this particular example is from one of the earliest runs, if not the earliest altogether.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and minor finish fading.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.59″ / 40.38mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g