Peterson 1975 Donegal Rocky w/ Silver XL90 Rusticated Bent Estate Briar Pipe, Irish Estates

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. First debuting in 1945, the Donegal Rocky has always been something of an “entry level” Peterson pipe, though the bar for such an entry has—as with so many makes—shifted in the 70 years or so. In other words, an “entry level” pipe from several decades ago may well be a cut above other pipes so-called in the contemporary or, in some instances, the bar might be lower. In the case of the Donegal Rocky, one might say the line’s quality has fluctuated a tad since its introduction. At the very least, the materials used in its construction have differed with the times. In the case of this one, the most notable difference between it and contemporary Donegal Rocky pipes is the choice of metal the pipe has been mounted with. Mark Irwin over at Peterson Pipe Notes has a good write-up on the history of the line, documenting how, for approximately the first 30 years of its existence, the Donegal Rocky was characterized both by its rocky rusticated finish and by the sterling silver collar banding each pipe. At the end of the 1970s, however, Peterson swapped this silverware for nickel. Peterson seems to have vacillated on this decision in subsequent decades, though in recent years, nickel mounts have been the standard. This particular example comes from 1975, and is therefore collared with sterling silver. It also appears to belong one of the earliest runs of the Donegal Rocky to feature a P-Lip, rather than a fishtail mouthpiece. Aside from the silverware and P-Lip, however, the most interesting thing about the pipe is its shaping. It is an “XL90,” a storied Peterson bent billiard rendition whose origins can be traced back to the shape “9” of the late 19th century. The “9” has been revived in various guises over the last 125 years, and one such guise has been the XL90, yet the latter itself has also been subject to various adjustments here and there. The 1970s and 1980s XL90s were very distinctive, owing to their curiously long, tapered mouthpieces, a property that extended to other classic Peterson house shapes, too (and here I give thanks once more to Irwin for documenting this). All in all, it makes for a very lovely, large pipe, with far more to it than might first meet the eye. The condition is very good. Some rim darkening and finish fading, and a couple of slight nicks on the exterior of the bowl.   Details: Length: 6.7″ / 170.1mm Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm Bowl Depth: 1.52″ / 38.60mm Weight: 2.3oz / 68g

More Offers

Store Policies