Peterson Kildare 80s Smooth Bent Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, Italian Estates

Description

Peterson pipes generally need no introduction, but just in case you’re unfamiliar: in 1876, a Latvian named Charles Peterson immigrated to Ireland and was hired making pipes in a workshop owned by Frederick and George Kapp. After rising through the ranks to become head craftsman, Peterson bought into the Kapp’s business, which was renamed, Kapp & Peterson (K&P). During this time, Peterson himself applied for several patents for pipe designs, including the world-famous Peterson’s System. Since then, Peterson has become one of the most recognizable names in pipe smoking and continues to produce high quality pipes from their headquarters in Dublin.

The Kildare series is one that has gone through numerous iterations since its debut in 1965. Those who are familiar with the contemporary iteration will know that this particular Kildare is a different animal entirely. While the contemporary Kildare is essentially a higher-grade variant on the Aran, including the Aran’s dark, red-brown stain, this one is a simpler, but no less beautiful design. This Kildare wears a light brown, natural stain, for example, that is more commonly seen today only on Peterson’s especially high-grade pipes, i.e., those with superlative grain. This one’s grain is indeed superior. The question, then, is of which iteration of the Kildare this one is. Mark Irwin & Gary Malmberg’s The Peterson Pipe Book claims four iterations: one a smooth matt finish (1965), one partially rusticated (1979), another smooth matt (2010), and the most recent being a burgundy finish (2011 onward; the aforementioned Aran variation). This one isn’t the partially rusticated, as it’s entirely smooth, and it isn’t the 2011 iteration either. More than that, I can’t say for sure. But what I can say is that this is not your average Pete – certainly not these days.

The condition is great. There’s some minor rim darkening and the lip of the chamber is slightly out of round from prior reaming, but nothing major.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.2″ / 30.48mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g