Every once in a while I like to remember that pipe smoking is a very real, substantial blessing to the lives of many men and women across the world. When I do, I always recall the words Charles Peterson wrote for the preface to the first Peterson catalog in 1896, words important enough that he included them in the 1906 catalog as well. Today we celebrate the 126th anniversary of Peterson’s final patent on his System pipe. I hope that today and in the week to come you’ll find something of value in quiet reflections offered here—poetry, photography, autobiography, digital art, and even a prayer or two. Perhaps the most famous of all Peterson series, Sherlock Holmes pipes were first introduced in 1987. Originally presented as a collector’s 7-day set and featuring a handsome pipe stand to display them.
It has some rich patina developing along the shank and bowl. It is quite delicate so I am quite amazed that it is still undamaged. Next is an older Peterson and one of the briar pipes in the collection. It is hard to read the silver hallmarks on the ferrule but the shape speaks of it being older. Here is the second briar pipe – a Sasieni Four Dot with a gold (coloured?) band that is like a pile of nuggets. Not my favourite pipe but look at the sandblast on the bowl and the condition of the stem.
The second set of seven different shapes was released under the title “The Return of Sherlock Holmes”. Originally hired as a craftsman for high-end special order pipes, Charles Peterson distinguished himself over the years. By the time the sons of his original employers were grown he was able to buy out some of their shares and change the name of the company to Kapp & Peterson. Below, pictured from left to right is Charles Peterson and Alfred Kapp. The P-Lip mouthpiece was originally designed by Charles Peterson in 1865.
The pipe had the wrong stem, and worse, a lingering sour taste I couldn’t shake. An old leftover Mark Twain Stem (and chimney too), lots of cleaning, and plenty of smokes later, I’m left with one of the best smokers I’ve ever had. It’s a gorgeous pipe and always leads to a relaxing smoke. The spirit of Zen/openness, in my opinion, dovetails seamlessly with pipe smoking. For me, pipe smoking opens the locks of my mind, which in turn allows outflow of anxieties and the inflow of new ideas or at captain black tobacco least a new light on old ideas. I’ve often referred to my pipe as a conduit of contemplation.
We also have a huge selection of Savinelli Pipes, Rattray’s Pipes and pipe tobacco. Peterson pipes, made in Ireland, provide the pipe smoker with a wide selection of briars. Most Peterson pipe models are available with either a standard, traditional stem (called a “fishtail”) or the famous Peterson “p-lip”, which directs the smoke toward the roof of your mouth to reduce the chance of burning your tongue. While crafting quality, innovative tobacco pipes has been central to our brand, we understand the importance of possessing smoking accessories of the same calibre. From pipe pouches to rustic tampers and sleek lighters, peterson pipes our accessories complement our tradition of craftsmanship, each tailored to pair elegantly with our pipes.
Pipes, tobacco, wine, and other fermented items are truly one of the great partnerships between God and Man. God created the briar, the leaf, the grape, the yeast and the grain. We take these items and turn them into things that can be used for our enjoyment and enlightenment. Once my pipe is lit I focus on nothing more than the sounds of nature and my smoking cadence.