Peterson System UK vs. US pricing

[namuna]

I believe this has been discussed, but at the moment my searches aren't bringing back any return info.
My next PAD purchase is going to be the Peterson System Ebony 317. I've hunted the US sites and the pricing is right about $120 (usually with free shipping), but when I find the same pipe at a UK site, the price is in the mid $60 range and with the Intl shipping it's still right at about $80 (it seems we're excluded from VAT since it's shipped outside their country).
Something else I noticed is a discrepency in the size description of this pipe, particularly between smokingpipes.com and the official Peterson website:
SmokingPipes Specs for the System Ebony 317:

Length: 4.67 in./118.62 mm.

Weight: 1.50 oz./42.52 g.

Bowl Height: 1.61 in./40.89 mm.

Outside Diameter: 1.32 in./33.53 mm.

Chamber Diameter: 0.67 in./17.02 mm.

Chamber Depth: 1.36 in./34.54 mm.
Peterson Specs SmokingPipes Specs for the System Ebony 317:

Length: 127 mm / 5.08 in

Weight: 37 gr / 1.27 oz

Height: 41 mm / 1.62 in

Outside Diameter: 33 mm / 1.30 in

Chamber Diameter: 17 mm / 0.67 in

Chamber Depth: 31 mm / 1.22 in
If, indeed our US version of the pipe IS bigger, then that would account for the cost difference...anyone know what's going on for sure?

 

[papipeguy]

I have a couple of questions. First, are you sure the prices you looked at on the Brisith sites are not in Pound Sterling? 60 pounds is equal to about US$98.00. Also, the shipping charge seems extraordinarily high even with insurance.

Many of the Pete's I've seen on the overseas sites are in the 90 pound (US$145.00) and up range. I'm no expert on Peterson's ( I do have 2) but I'd still bet that thee better deal is here in the USA. Certainly a better guarantee of safe delivery. Good luck with your search.

 

[jgriff]

I bought a Peterson Irish Army from the UK and it was probably $30-40 USD cheaper after shipping than it would have been from a US retailer. Shipping isn't particularly high either. I believe in the $7 USD range.
As far as size differences, that's the first I've ever heard of that but most of my Peterson's are estates so I haven't looked into it either.

 

[pruss]

@namuna - I'm glad you brought this up. I noticed a similar thing with regards to pricing Petes on the websites of UK pipe shops. I was doing a side-by-side comparison pricing (including conversion from Euros/Pounds to US dollars, with shipping included) and was finding that the pricing available through the UK shops was ranging $25 and $50 less, delivered. I did not think to compare the size/shape/weight of the pipes. I'll do that tonight.
But, based on what I've seen so far, when giving the Christmas list out this year, I'm inclined to send friends and family to UK web-stores for a Pete.
-- Pat

 

[namuna]

Alright, I just called smokingpipes and spoke with Phil.
His response to the size variance was that no 2 pipes are going to be the same, there will be variances. It seems the folks over at smokingpipes.com not only take pictures of each and everyone pipe, they also mic out the specs of each pipe and provide that too. That's pretty impressive attention to detail.
His response to why there's such a big price difference, even accounting for Intl shipping is that there are taxes and shipping costs and such that dealers have to adjust for when sellling pipes from other countries...and that usuallly buying a pipe that is made in the same country that you reside will usually be cheaper.
Looks like I'll be co.uk shoppin for any Petes from now on.

 

[bryanf]

First off, you're going to love that pipe. Secondly, Petersons are sometimes up to half price in the UK, and always much cheaper. You could almost get two 317's for the price of one in the US, but only because we don't have to pay VAT. I suggest using pipedivan, and getting some Condor thrown in your order!

 

[bryanf]

PS. To give you an idea on size of the pipe, it will hold one coin of DDNL or Escudo, or about half a flake. About a 30 minute smoke. It will not taste good for about 50 bowls, so don't give up. After that, cake builds very quickly and at 100 bowls it really gets flavorful. The briar takes a long time to break in. Pack tighter than usual as it's a small bowl. Be very careful when disassembling to clean. As a small pipe it's easy to fumble. I've dropped my bowl a couple times, but it's survived just fine. I prefer the fishtail on this small bent, but that's just me. The stems aren't interchangeable.

 

[gtclark]

I suggest using pipedivan, and getting some Condor thrown in your order!

Will they ship tobacco to the US? I couldn't find anything about it on their website.

 

[namuna]

Well, I wasted my day searching UK sites (instead of doing my job!) and couldn't find squat for UK sellers that had the 317 with fishtail. :x
...Ended up buyiing the Peterson Killarney Ebony B10 and Savinelli Vaniglia 614 from an Italian site instead! :puffpipe:

 

[dochudson]

Peterson System Ebony 317 w/Fishtail Stem $124.95