Is This an Aftermarket Peterson Stem?

[AroEnglish]

I just got my first Peterson which is a deluxe 9s. I’ve been wanting to add a Peterson to my collection for some time and I threw a $1 over the max bid for this pipe a few days before the ebay assuming I would lose it but it stuck.

The pipe smokes great and I get now why people like the p-lip and the system drilling. I was able to have a smoke where I wasn't worried about moisture or a pipe cleaner at any point. I only use a cleaner a few times a smoke but it’s still nice to not have to think about it with this pipe.

I never thought during the auction that there's a few things odd with this stem from the usual deluxe pipes I’ve seen which are:

• There is no 'P' logo on the stem
• This stem sits flush with the band where others don't
• The stem is not the same diameter as the band (though maybe this is normal)

I was wondering if anyone has thoughts on if this an original Peterson stem or if it is an aftermarket replacement.

Bonus question: does anyone know what year this pipe is from its hallmark? The last symbol kind of looks like a T or maybe a J but it’s hard to tell.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I’d say 1976 for the hallmark. The stem looks good to me. Though I know pretty much nothing with Pete’s

My guess is that the gap between the saddle and the mount has decreased over time with the tenon being worn from use. Also means why the transition isn’t perfect.

Great pipe bro!

 

[verporchting]

That steel chimney piece makes me think it’s an original Peterson stem but I’m no expert. Agree with Ahi Ka about the stem fit 100%. Nice pipe! Enjoy.

 

[ashdigger]

It look original and someone worked the hell out of that stem every time they inserted it.

 

[georged]

Yup, original.

Not all Petes had the "P".

The reduced gap demonstrates WHY there's a gap designed into that type of stem attachment. Over time, the conical mortise wears and expands, and the conical tenon wears and shrinks.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Yup, original.

Not all Petes had the "P".

The reduced gap demonstrates WHY there's a gap designed into that type of stem attachment. Over time, the conical mortise wears and expands, and the conical tenon wears and shrinks.

I’ve heard of conical tenon shrinkage. They have a pill for that don’t they?

 

[AroEnglish]

I’d say 1976 for the hallmark. The stem looks good to me. Though I know pretty much nothing with Pete’s

My guess is that the gap between the saddle and the mount has decreased over time with the tenon being worn from use. Also means why the transition isn’t perfect.

Great pipe bro!

Thanks! I think you're right on the 1976 hallmark. For some reason I kept thinking it was a 'T' but didn't match any of the ones on the Peterson chart.

 

[AroEnglish]

Thanks to everyone chiming in on the stem. Glad to know that it's the original!

 

[bullet08]

Can you post other markings, if there are any?

 

[paulfg]

I agree 1976 and yes some original stems dont have the script P
I too have a deluxe that has the space missing,in my case you can see where it has had the taper on the stem filed down Badly

i know it is said the space is to allow wear but I personally cant see the join ever wearing that much .
Even on 100 year old pipes the space isnt closed much if at all

 

[AroEnglish]

Can you post other markings, if there are any?

Here’s a few more photos or the markings on the band and stumel.

 

[AroEnglish]

I agree 1976 and yes some original stems dont have the script P
I too have a deluxe that has the space missing,in my case you can see where it has had the taper on the stem filed down Badly

i know it is said the space is to allow wear but I personally cant see the join ever wearing that much .
Even on 100 year old pipes the space isnt closed much if at all

Yeah, like @ashdigger said the previous owned must have been shoving this into the mortise hard every time. That or they had it shaved down so that the shoulder of the stem was flush with the shank.

 

[ashdigger]

I agree 1976 and yes some original stems dont have the script P
I too have a deluxe that has the space missing,in my case you can see where it has had the taper on the stem filed down Badly

i know it is said the space is to allow wear but I personally cant see the join ever wearing that much .
Even on 100 year old pipes the space isnt closed much if at all

Here’s a Pre-Republic Pete DeLuxe with Bone Condenser. The gap is almost non existent.

I’m out and about so here’s pics of my truck pipe for today.

 

[georged]

Someone hated the gap so much they ground down the tenon to close it.

That's determined, rat thar...

 

[georged]

Here's a 9S from 1989, with everything in original condition.

(no "P", large-ish gap, aluminum stinger)

 

[AroEnglish]

Here's a 9S from 1989, with everything in original condition.

(no "P", large-ish gap, aluminum stinger)

View attachment 195498
View attachment 195499

Thanks for sharing this; one year off from my birth year!

 

[paulfg]

Someone hated the gap so much they ground down the tenon to close it.

That's determined, rat thar...

That looks very similar to my one the taper has gone and the tenon has lots of grooves round it

 

[paulfg]

Here’s a Pre-Republic Pete DeLuxe with Bone Condenser. The gap is almost non existent.

I’m out and about so here’s pics of my truck pipe for today.

View attachment 195488

I don't believe that is natural wear, it looks like is been sanded to me.Thats assuming you haven't owned it since new and know otherwise

 

[paulfg]

My 8s with no P on the stem ground down tenon.Hallmarked 1978

 

[ashdigger]

I don't believe that is natural wear, it looks like is been sanded to me.Thats assuming you haven't owned it since new and know otherwise

Must’ve been a fashion statement.

I do agree that it’d odd, I have Deluxe’s from the 20’s that are still “gapped”

I think sanding is possible. Just odd.