By Al Jones

This large, oom-Paul Peterson shape caught my eye on eBay. It had what appeared to be pre-Republic stamping, and it appeared to be in very good condition. It was a Premier Selection grade, which are always stunning. I learned many years ago, from Mark Irwin, that the Premier Selection grade was just below the Deluxe. I was a bit surprised to discover that I won the auction. I’ve always had good luck with auctions ending during a holiday, and this was a good example.

Peterson fans, aka “CPG = Certified PeteGeeks”, are fortunate to have Mark Irwin brand expertise just an email away. Mark’s blog, “Peterson Pipe Notes” is a must-read for Peterson or briar pipe enthusiasts and it has a world-wide following. I emailed Mark about this pipe and sent him my finished photos. I received a speedy reply and he shared as below:

On the 02 Premier. First, it’s a fully-functioning System pipe, which many folks don’t appreciate. It’s got all the engineering and in spades: deep reservoir, 1st-rate condenser with cross vents, P-Lip with graduated bore airway. Second, the MADE IN IRELAND probably tells us that it’s a Rogers Imports pipe, as that was the usual stamping on the high-grade lines requested by Rogers. The brass P is another indication of the high tier, but it also suggests (in conjunction with the bone condenser) that the pipe was made during the first decade of the Early Republic era. So anytime during the 1950s would be my estimate.

Mark has a blog entry on the 02 House pipe shape and it’s various iterations, if you have further interest:

https://petersonpipenotes.org/tag/peterson-02-shape/

The pipe had some buildup on the bowl top and the stain was faded in one area. The stem had some oxidation, but the P-lip features were undamaged. There was a very slight cake in the bowl. The nomenclature was very strong. Below is the pipe as it was received. I discovered that photographing this shape was not easy!

There were some handling marks on the bowl. I was able to steam most out, with a wet cloth and an electric iron. I reamed the slight cake with my Pipe-net reamer and used a piece of 320 sandpaper to finish inside the bowl, which was in excellent condition. The bowl was then soaked with alcohol and sea salt. Following the soak, I used a bristle brush dipped in alcohol to clean the system shank.

The stem was mounted and I removed the oxidation with 600, 800, 1500 and 2,000 grade wet paper, taking care around the brass inlaid P logo. The stem was then buffed with White Diamond and Meguiars Plastic polish.

In the decade, I’ve owned over 40 Petersons, but oddly, none were true system pipes (well, condensor & P-Lip). It took me a minute to locate the draft hole after the inaugural smoke. The draft hole was far above the well!

The bowl was buffed lightly with White Diamond and several coats of carnuba wax.

Below is the finished pipe, which weighs a healthy 64 grams. Mark Irwin promised me that I was in for a treat with a true system pipe and he was right! It hangs effortless, despite the weight and really was a wonderful smoking experience. I can see now why this shape was a favorite of since-passed CPG Jim Lilley.