Peterson Aran Nickel Mounted 80s Smooth Bulldog 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.

As with a number of Peterson lines (and with lines of factory pipes more generally), the Aran has changed rather dramatically since its 1960s debut—and more than once. Early iterations were rusticated, whereas more recent ones have been smooth polished and dressed in a warm, walnut finish. Whether one is better than the other is really a matter of preference, though it is worth noting that, unlike the Aran pipes currently in production (which are, it must be said, fine Irish briars), those made around the late 20th and early 21st centuries were distinguished by the inclusion of an engraved nickel collar, adding a third layer of color and a little extra shine to the overall design. This is one of those pipes, rendered in Peterson’s classic “80s” bent bulldog shape.

The condition is very good. Some scratches on the rim and general finish fading.

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.15″ / 29.21mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g