American Pipe Maker of the Day: Andy Peterson of Quad City Pipes

[bigvan]

Responding to some requests for more photos of American made artisan pipes, I've taken a few snaps of this blasted egg from Andy Peterson of Quad City Pipes. Located in Davenport, Iowa, Andy has recently been featured in Pipes & Tobacco Magazine and was one of the instructors at the pipe making seminar at this year's Chicago Pipe Show. He is shown here, on the right, talking to master pipe maker Rad Davis.

I bought this pipe from Andy during the pipe making seminar, as he impressed me with his knowledge, craftsmanship and attention to detail. He's also a hell of a nice guy; we've exchanged emails since the show and he's always happy to just talk pipes; both his and those of other makers. Now on with the show...
This blasted egg has a rather large, tear drop-shaped ferrule of polished elk horn.

This is a nice detail. Notice the black and brown layers between the horn and the blasted shank.

Though some may bristle at the price of artisan made pipes, Quad City pipes can fit most budgets. On his web site there are pipes available for as little as $150. This is less than what you'd pay for many factory made, cookie cutter pipes. I strongly encourage you to check out his web site: Quadcitypipes.com

 

[numbersix]

That's a beauty - thanks for the link - will have to check it out.

 

[tbradsim1]

Wow! The old cajun

 

[adam12]

His stuff is amazing
He was sorely missed at Columbus... in fellowship and in pipes on display. As anyone who has met him can attest, he is one of the most outgoing and fun people you will ever meet at a pipe show

 

[judcole]

I am hoping,in the next year,to get the cellar to such a point that I go out and treat myself to a new pipe. I'll never be able to spend huge amounts, but definitely want to upgrade my rotation.

 

[bigvan]

Rothnh, it's vulcanite, which is my preference and seems to be much more the standard of artisan pipes (outside Italy, of course). It seems like I've seem more stems cut from unique materials like bakelite and polyester than I have of lucite lately. But I could be totally wrong about that.

 

[baronsamedi]

That's a great piece. Hard to resist the PAD!

 

[adam12]

Bigvan is this going to become a regular feature post?

 

[bigvan]

Maybe semi-regular. It depends on if anyone cares. Or if Kevin puts the kibosh on it.

 

[lordofthepiperings]

That's a damn good price. Usually when I check artisan pipes online they're hardly every under $300. Not so sure I want to spend that much money on a pipe right now, but $150 is definitely do able.

 

[lostandfound]

I was born in Davenport, Ia. I can't wait to get one of their pipes. In fact, being that I'm from there, I might get a Quad City Pipes pipe as my first pipe that I save for, instead of a Savinelli or what-have you.

 

[bigvan]

Lost, all I can say is that if you're going to save up for something special, then save up for something SPECIAL.

 

[ejames]

That's NICE!!

 

[ssjones]

Very nice. That button looks perfect, bet she does smoke well.

 

[cigrmaster]

bigvan, awesome looking pipe. I really like the shape and the shank treatment. I for one would love to see a regular showing of your pipes. I think our guys are making fabulous pipes and the exposure would be good for them. I have only smoked 2 different American artisans so far( Rad Davis and Butera) but I reach for those pipes more than any other in my collection. They are incredible smokers.

 

[photoman13]

Bigvan, what got you into American pipe collecting? I'm just curious if that is the only pipes you have?

 

[bigvan]

Al, yes it's an extremely well-made pipe.
Harris, thanks for the kind words. I will post something else soon.
Photoman, collecting North American made pipes is something I started doing about 5 or 6 years ago. I've been going to pipe shows for the last 10 years, but I'd usually bypass the artisan pipes because I thought they were too expensive. Then a friend introduced me to Kirk Bosi (who is unfortunately no longer making pipes). Anyway, he was a great guy to just hang out with, we talked about what makes a good pipe, what's great and what sucks about the process. The next show he introduced me to other pipe makers and it just snowballed from there. The moral of the story: Go to pipe shows!
Prior to that I was collecting Brit pipes; Upshall, Ferdown, Barling, Blakemar, Milleville, Dunhill, etc. Before that I went through the same Peterson phase that seems to afflict us all, until I realized how mediocre they were. I also have a handful of Italians, plus some odds and ends (meers, cobs, calabashes).

 

[photoman13]

Thanks for elaborating. I am often curious why people collect certain things. While I can't afford any of the American pipes other than missouri meerschaum I still think they are beautiful. I rather love my Italian Brebbia which is probably my most expensive wood based pipe. I have yet to try a Peterson as I am not attracted to them as much as other brands I've seen. I know you like briar pipes but I also have a Storient meer and it smokes phenomenal and it is gorgeous.