Peterson 2012 St Patrick’s Day XL90 Smooth Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

It is only natural that a great Irish pipe company should honor Ireland’s patron saint, which Peterson has done each year since 1998. As with Peterson’s Pipe of the Year and Christmas Pipe series, St. Patrick’s Day pipes have always been limited edition, one-time offers, and tend to be a little more special than the average Pete (though it should be noted that the “average Pete” is already a very high quality pipe). For 2012, Peterson offered a selection of classic shapes, mounted with a specially engraved nickel collar.

This particular example takes the form of a true classic within Peterson’s catalog, the “XL90.” It’s a shape with an extensive history, whose origins are to be found in early Peterson catalogs from the late 19th century (under the name of the “9BC”), which has survived right the way into the contemporary via the modern Peterson “307,” “9S,” and “XL90” shapes. It’s a decidedly large take on the 3/4 bent billiard, with this one using that breadth to make full use of the briar’s natural flame grain patterns.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating. Some slight handling marks, though nothing major.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.59″ / 40.38mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g