Rare Jewels: A 1903 Peterson's Patent

[rockvillepete]

There’s something very satisfying and rewarding about restoring an old pipe to its former glory and savoring a fine smoke from one of the ancient ones. What history these fine old briars have seen! Anytime I acquire one of the old boys I can’t help but wonder who the owner was, where he lived and what he did for a living. Many times it’s impossible to determine but for those rare instances when the pipe’s history is known it makes it all the more interesting.

I have a passion for Peterson's Patent era pipes and have been collecting better examples for a few years now. I just picked up this wonderful bent billiard/brandy with sterling mount and original fitted case that dates from approx. 1903. It came from a gentleman in Ely, United Kingdom and had once belonged to his late uncle. Only requiring a good clean, it appears to be in exceptional condition for its age with very nice straight grain and an intact amber stem – a very rare find on these pipes as most I’ve encountered were broken at the bend.

Sadly the year hallmark is not complete making it difficult to determine the exact letter. As best as I can tell it appears to be a gothic H, dating the pipe to 1903. A mere nine years after Charles Peterson was granted the patent for his system pipe. It’s even possible that Charles Peterson himself oversaw or even crafted this pipe, adding to the mystique of Patent-era Peterson’s.

(Photos courtesy eBay member darigle)

::

 

[stosho]

Outstanding description of the draw of estate pipes. To me even a common working man's pipe seems to be begging to tell a story.

 

[ssjones]

My god that is gorgeous! 1903, amazing. It sure looks like you did a fine job restoring it. Will you be able to smoke this one?

 

[weezell]

WOW!!! Stunning...

 

[stosho]

I neglected to add that the pipe is amazing as well. I love the smalls and aspire to own something this fine. Great work.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

That is a beautiful Pete. Enjoy

 

[petes03]

Very nice! Congrats!

 

[numbersix]

Thanks for sharing - that is beautiful!

 

[plateauguy]

Beautiful pipe. Enjoy in good health!

 

[prndl]

a rare find...well done, sir.

 

[shaintiques]

Very nice to see, I have a 1915. I love the ember stem. I also love old Petes

 

[settersbrace]

A real treasure you have there and I share your sentiment concerning estate pipes. It's hard to not wonder how many of life's pleasures and sorrows the old piece has been smoked through. I suppose that's why there's so many of the old ones still around, because the pipes mattered enough to someone to have them preserved.

 

[petersonson]

I've said this a few times before, but Peterson was the first pipe I smoked. It was my dad's and I was 15. He had bought it on a trip to Ireland while working. Then, when it came time that I should buy a pipe, Peterson was the one I chose.
Beautiful Pipe. Love the restoration

 

[papipeguy]

Wonderful story and great job returning this pipe to it's full glory. Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[mso489]

That's a real Peterson classic, from which most of their better designs originate today. It's compact but

substantial, with that great stem and metal work, and the ample but solid bowl. It's everything we like

about Peterson. The case is pretty snazzy too, and probably accounts for the pipe being in such fine,

restorable shape.