Pitted Peterson, Return Or Not?

[Gecko]

Bought a Peterson 301 from (former?) site sponsor GQtobaccos.com their prices on Peterson pipes are very low but the pipes are only presented with generic pictures, not individually photographed.

Upon unboxing and inspecting the pipe I found a pit. Love the pipe, the shape and size of it, large but still fairly lightweight, love everything except the pit.

Haven't smoked it yet as I'll probably return it. To me it's astonishing that these sort of obvious faults are allowed to leave the factory and makes me wonder how the "Irish seconds" are if this is the first grade assortment.






Just wanted to hear what you guys think, is this something you would accept and am I being overly dramatic? or should I return it?

 

[Mr.Mike]

If it wasn't in the description I would return it. I will say though, I think I prefer the natural pit over a fill now that I'm looking at it ?

 

[irishearl]

If it wasn't in the description I would return it. I will say though, I think I prefer the natural pit over a fill now that I'm looking at it ?

Agree that that pit is preferable to a fill. I prefer vendors who post photos of the actual pipe up for sale. The standard system pipe line is not 1 guaranteed to be free of visual flaws.

 

[BROBS]

Bought a Peterson 301 from (former?) site sponsor GQtobaccos.com their prices on Peterson pipes are very low but the pipes are only presented with generic pictures, not individually photographed.

Upon unboxing and inspecting the pipe I found a pit. Love the pipe, the shape and size of it, large but still fairly lightweight, love everything except the pit.

Haven't smoked it yet as I'll probably return it. To me it's astonishing that these sort of obvious faults are allowed to leave the factory and makes me wonder how the "Irish seconds" are if this is the first grade assortment.

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Just wanted to hear what you guys think, is this something you would accept and am I being overly dramatic? or should I return it?

I think you are being overly dramatic it's a system standard... wtf did you expect?

That pit is super minor and would prefer that to a bunch of fills all over.

 

[Tommy Boy]

If it bothers you return it. Its just that simple. Next time buy from a site like smokingpipes.com that lets you see the actual pipe and avoid the drama and return shipping fees.

 

[BROBS]

If it bothers you return it. Its just that simple. Next time buy from a site like smokingpipes.com that lets you see the actual pipe and avoid the drama and return shipping fees.

right and then you won't see the pit because it's not in the pic as they only picture the sides of the pipe.

honestly that is super minor for a system standard.. they probably hand picked that one for you.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Return it if it is a matter for you. Personally, unless there is anything else a matter...I’d enjoy it.️

 

[rushx9]

I believe standard grade Pete's are expected to have occasional pits... the highest grades are expected to be flawless but standards can have a small pit here or there as long as the drilling is up to par. The grain on yours is spectacular, so that pit probably stopped it from becoming a Premier. The Irish Seconds have noticeable fills and spot rustication to cover blemishes. Where does one even find Irish Seconds anymore outside of the shop in Ireland?

 

[verporchting]

If it bothers you return it but that pit wouldn’t bother me in the least and it’s a handsome pipe.

GQ is a stellar outfit and I doubt there was any skullduggery involved but rather it just went unnoticed as it’s probably not uncommon for that grade of Pete.

 

[petes03]

Nothing wrong with that. It’s ,overall , a very nice piece of briar. I’d rather have a pit left natural than have a big ugly fill.

 

[mso489]

If it nags at you, I'd return it, since the object is satisfaction. If it were me, and the pipe was otherwise shipshape -- drilling, fit and finish, chamber integrity, etc. -- and I liked the size, shape, weight, and feel, I would likely keep it, since the price was good. I don't smoke socially almost ever, so no one is going to think less of me. If it made me happy in other respects, I'd pack it and fire it up. I have much less handsome pipes than that that I have come to enjoy immensely. Sometimes a flaw or two adds to the character of a pipe. I often don't like them too fancy-ass.

 

[prndl]

Return it.

Life's too short for you to always worry about that pit.

 

[jpberg]

I’m a confirmed Pete basher, so if the inside isn’t filled with stain and you can move air (that doesn’t taste like an 8th grade shop class lacquer accident) from the bowl to the stem, well hell, you got a winner.

 

[mtwaller]

Agree with many former posts... If it just bugs the hell out of you, return it unsmoked. I have a REALLY nice Pete with a half dozen tiny pits that, while annoying, don’t detract from my enjoyment of the pipe. It won’t affect smoking characteristics in any way. But, if your fingers or your brain just can’t get over it... return it and get something better.

For what it’s worth... I NEVER buy a pipe that only has a generic photo. I want to see the exact pipe I’m spending my hard-earned cash on before I commit.

 

[Gecko]

I thought this pit was out of the ordinary, guess I still have a lot to learn about pipes and briar. I'll fill it with a little wax and enjoy the heck out of my new pipe.
Thanks guys!

 

[BROBS]

I believe standard grade Pete's are expected to have occasional pits... the highest grades are expected to be flawless but standards can have a small pit here or there as long as the drilling is up to par. The grain on yours is spectacular, so that pit probably stopped it from becoming a Premier. The Irish Seconds have noticeable fills and spot rustication to cover blemishes. Where does one even find Irish Seconds anymore outside of the shop in Ireland?

They sell them on smokingpipes.eu ?
But oddly not for that much less than a normal pete.

 

[BROBS]

I thought this pit was out of the ordinary, guess I still have a lot to learn about pipes and briar. I'll fill it with a little wax and enjoy the heck out of my new pipe.
Thanks guys!

Hey no worries man I used to sweat stuff like this too. Honestly that pit is borderline and even a premier will often have a rootmark or fill. IMO you’re lucky it’s not a fill.

the deluxe will have no fills but natural root marks are ok and to get flawless briar you’ve gotta go up to supreme for a system. And they are rare as hens teeth and expensive.

so it’s all about price scale. ?

 

[BROBS]

Agree with many former posts... If it just bugs the hell out of you, return it unsmoked. I have a REALLY nice Pete with a half dozen tiny pits that, while annoying, don’t detract from my enjoyment of the pipe. It won’t affect smoking characteristics in any way. But, if your fingers or your brain just can’t get over it... return it and get something better.

For what it’s worth... I NEVER buy a pipe that only has a generic photo. I want to see the exact pipe I’m spending my hard-earned cash on before I commit.

You can often email for pics and they will gladly oblige also. I’ve done it.

 

[mtwaller]

Pits should certainly be the exception, and not the rule. Unfortunately, they seem to be a pervasive issue with low-mid grade Pete’s. Or even high grades, in rare cases. At least those that were produced before Laudisi took over. Still, I hope it will be an excellent smoker, and one you will come to rely on and cherish. New pipes are always awesome! Enjoy that first smoke out of a new pipe!

 

[mtwaller]

What @BROBS said... I have bugged the crap out of many a retailer online, asking for certain pics of each flank and the chamber, to make sure I’m getting a good one. If they won’t oblige... move on to the next one.