Peterson Kinsale XL14 Rusticated Rhodesian Estate Briar Pipe, Irish 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.

Though I’m fairly sure they’ve been out of production for several years now, the idea behind the Kinsale line was simple: classic shapes from Peterson’s Sherlock Holmes series, but slightly more affordable. The style of the Kinsale has changed a few times since its initial debut in the late 1990s, but, as far as I can tell, the main differences between the standard Sherlock Holmes pipes and the Kinsales were that, while the Holmes pipes have sterling silver collars, the Kinsale had three rings of nickel and brass; and while the Holmes are available in a variety of finishes, the Kinsale also appears to have only been available in either a rusticated or a dark smooth finish. This is an example of the rusticated, and I would estimate it to be around 10-15 years old, based on similar Kinsales from the time (Mark Irwin over at Peterson Pipe Notes has many an article on the changing faces of Peterson’s finishes). Back to the Sherlock Holmes connection, though: while this Kinsale is stamped as an XL14, it is technically just a Sherlock Holmes “Deerstalker” Rhodesian model by another name (and sans the sterling silver).

The condition is very good. Some slight wear to the rim, but overall it’s held up nicely. Based on conversations I recall during the Kinsale’s heyday, I imagine this will be a very reasonably priced treat for collectors.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.90 / 22.86mm

Bowl Depth: 1.59″ / 40.38mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g