Peterson (2011) Donegal Rocky 68 Rusticated Bent Billiard with Silver (Estate)

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.

First debuting in 1945, the Donegal Rocky has always been something of an “entry level” Peterson pipe, though the bar for such an entry has—as with so many makes—shifted in the 70 years or so. In other words, an “entry level” pipe from several decades ago may well be a cut above other pipes so-called in the contemporary or, in some instances, the bar might be lower. In the case of the Donegal Rocky, one might say the line’s quality has fluctuated a tad since its introduction. At the very least, the materials used in its construction have differed with the times.

In the case of this one, the most notable difference between it and contemporary Donegal Rocky pipes is the choice of metal the pipe has been mounted with. Mark Irwin over at Peterson Pipe Notes has a good write-up on the history of the line, documenting how, for approximately the first 30 years of its existence, the Donegal Rocky was characterized both by its rocky rusticated finish and by the sterling silver collar banding each pipe. At the end of the 1970s, however, Peterson swapped this silverware for nickel. Peterson seems to have vacillated on this decision in subsequent decades, though in recent years, nickel mounts have become standard once more.

This one, from is, however, a silver-mounted example, taking the form of Peterson’s plump “68” bent billiard.

The condition is good. Some inner rim charring and slight finish fading.

Details:

Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.59″ / 40.38mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g