Peterson Kapet 407 Smooth Prince (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.

Debuting around 1925, Peterson’s Kapet has a good deal of history behind it, though has had a habit of disappearing and reappearing, and doing so in rather different guises. It has been described, such as by Peterson historian Mark Irwin, as “entry level” pipe as far as grade goes, though the various historical iterations of the Kapet, along with the various finishes and accoutrements that accompanied them, are worth pointing out. Very early Kapets, for example, wore a smooth plum finish and were touted as being made from especially old briar; more recently, they were reissued in a tree bark rustication, though those too are, seemingly, no longer in production. As with another recent Kapet listing on our shop, this Kapet is a little different to either, however. Instead of the early plum finish, or the most recent rusticated finish, it wears a warm, brown stain that is somewhat more distinguished than either.

As one can see, such a finish pairs beautifully with both the elegant “407” prince rendition and the grain it captures, highlighting a remarkable amount of bird’s-eye grain in this instance.

The condition is very good. Minor rim charring and a couple of worn out fills.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.21″ / 30.73mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 26g