Cased sets are rare enough but to find two mint pre-republic Peterson’s sets is practically unheard of.
This gorgeous set of two Peterson’s Deluxe System pipes, housed in a red leather bound case, dates from around 1948 according to the block
MADE IN IRELAND COM stamping*. These are smaller Deluxe Systems, on par with the Standard System 317, the smallest in the System range. Interestingly there’s no model designation on either pipe and I wonder if Peterson produced these specifically for this set. Also, there are no hallmarks on the silver mounts in spite of the Sterling Silver designation. The briar is stained a dark walnut, some of the darkest I’ve seen from Peterson. Simply gorgeous!
*There’s some anecdotal evidence suggesting that the block
MADE IN IRELAND stamping was used well into the 1960’s but until proven otherwise I’m sticking to the established 1947-49.
The seller of this set mentioned that he had a second cased set of two Peterson’s bulldogs in mint condition that he intended to sell next. I couldn’t resist and had to have that set as well! This one is a Peterson’s London & Dublin Special 493 bulldog and 80s Rhodesian/bent bulldog, made in London probably in the 1940’s but definitely before my birth year of 1959 when Peterson closed its London facility. Both are in pristine condition and may well be unsmoked as there’s absolutely no cake or char in the bowls. The grain on these is lovely with Peterson’s standard walnut staining. I find the combination of a straight and bent together very appealing.
There's something about a cased set that really pushes the old PAD button with me. These two beauties should satisfy the craving for a little while. :
: