What Are Pipe Spigots For?

[sparrowhawk]

I saw a nice black 107 Peterson, and I'm thinking of getting it, but while I've seen many, what is the purpose of a spigot?

 

[jazz]

You can dismantle them while you are sill smoking them or as soon as you have finished for easy transport and cleaning. You can do this without damaging them. That and they look nice.
That is all I can think of and I may be wrong.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Dot on! (not a Dunny ref., oddly enough, my only spigot is a Dunhill bulldog.)

 

[warren]

The mounting provides strength and, for easy breakdown for storage in the pocket.

 

[jessicac]

From the Peterson website, the added benefit is that they look uber cool!
"The Peterson tradition has long been associated with the fine sterling silver detail of our pipes. The Peterson Spigot is characterised by a sterling silver covering on the tapered end of the mouthpiece which compliments the sterling silver band of the pipe. The Spigot style evolved from the practice of soldiers in earlier centuries who repaired broken pipes by sliding a used cartridge case over the shank and reinserting the mouthpiece. In this unique spigot finished pipe, Peterson craftsmanship perfect the union of finest quality briar and precious metals. The silver is spun to shape and then fitted to the pipe. The craftsmanship, created with only a lathe and chisel as basic tools, is the finest in the industry. Normally fitted with fishtail mouthpiece. Peterson lip is available made to order."

 

[sparrowhawk]

Sounds cool. I'll have to see if I can pick one up. Thanks for filling me in.

 

[tarheel1]

It spigots are what you want, don't forget about Ferndown.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Damn, I've got this spigot in mind, by--who else?--Peterson, and I can't afford it. And it's been bugging me all day. How long do these "gotta get it" attacks last, anyway?

 

[tarheel1]

Thought I would post these again so the kiddies can drool. These are pics Les sent me so I can think about spigots.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Some last until you acquire it!
Far be it to critique a Peterson's utterance, but what is describe in the quote relates to a military mount, not so much spigots, though presumably spigots evolved from military mounts.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Hey Sparrow, I love my Peterson Spigots. I say go for it.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

As per the usual "removing stem after smoking" conversations, the point is that you not let the pipe dry with the stem removed, because the wood in the mortise is changing shape when the moisture level changes. Removing the stem for a minute or two after smoking will not destroy your pipe, but leaving the stem out for a day could allow the mortise to change shape enough to make it impossible to re-assemble. Though it's not entirely the same situation with a Spigot, you'll always be able to roughly fit the two pieces back together, I think it would still be best to always re-asseble the pipe after smoking (unless your leisure time is inturrupted by someone shooting at you).

What the Spigot or Military mount does do for the modern user is make it much easier to take apart and re-assemble, repeatedly, quickly and without much care. That tenon is going to be practically impossible to break from twisting and pulling in normal use. It may be true that a Military mount would still function if the mortise went out of round, but it would be a bit wobbly, and that's something that would dive me nuts.