Peterson 2004 Donegal Rocky 150 Silver Mounted Rusticated Bulldog 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.

As Mark Irwin over at Peterson Pipe Notes documents, the Donegal Rocky line debuted in 1945, and it has been something of a mainstay ever since. It is also a line, however, that has changed guises multiple times over the many decades since its debut. Like its namesake geological formations of Ireland’s northwestern region, one might say that the Donegal Rocky has, like a cliff face confronted with the elements, had its appearance altered periodically. This one, for example, is from 2004, and looks a little different to the contemporary version, though isn’t quite the striking, “pineapple” carved finish of the 1990s. However, the most distinguishing feature of this Donegal Rocky is not its finish, but its finery; Irwin’s write-up on the line is, again, a good resource here, as while the Donegal Rocky has always been fitted with a precious metal collar, Peterson has vacillated between nickel and sterling silver for this purpose throughout the line’s lifetime. In 1945, the Donegal Rocky was silver mounted; around 1980, Peterson began using nickel instead; during the late 1990s, one could choose between silver or nickel; and, today, nickel is the standard once more. This 2004 make was one of the Donegal Rockies lucky enough to have received the sterling silver treatment.

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

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.48″ / 37.59mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g