Peterson 2017 Christmas Pipe 69 Sandblasted Bent Billiard 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.

Since 2009, Peterson has released an annual, limited edition, “Christmas Pipe,” one separate in design from their Pipe of the Year and other seasonal offerings. And while Peterson’s other limited edition pipes have—especially in recent years—been quite exceptional, I’ve frequently expressed my fondness for the Christmas Pipes—again, especially in recent years. Though it was nearly a decade ago now, the 2017 release seems like yesterday, and I’d certainly count it among my “recent” favorite Petes. The sandblasting was a little more thorough and tactile than on other, standard Peterson lines, as can be seen on this one, and the slight contrast, merlot red finish had a palpable warmth to it. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a little finery, and the 2017 Christmas Pipe also included a shining nickel mount. What clinched it for me was the mouthpiece, however, which was presumably a nod to the notion of a “White Christmas,” though which always reminded me more of ivory, horn, and the various materials used in pipe making in decades gone by.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening.

Details:

Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.47″ / 37.33mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g