By Al Jones
This Peterson belongs to a member of the PipesMagazine.com forum who asked me if I could undertake the restoration. He said that the nomenclature was worn and wanted someone to restore to use, but not further damage the nomenclature. I don’t take on my pipes beside my own, but I love working on special pipes like this one, so I said yes.
If you are a fan of the Peterson 999, check out Mark Irwins Peterson Pipe Notes blog entry on the history of the shape (two pipes from my collection are featured, thanks for the nod Mark!)
The pipe was in very good condition with really the only issue the worn nomenclature. The pipe has the block style “Made In Ireland” COM and an Sterling band with no hallmark. According to Mike Leverette, in his “A Peterson Dating Guide” entry on Pipepedia, that block style COM was used between 1947 and 1949. Below is the pipe as it was received. Curiously, it has what appears to be a filter tenon. There was very little cake and only a mildly oxidized stem. There are no signs of internal threads. This would be the first filter Peterson I’ve held, so any input is appreciated. Shamrock 999’s often have stingers, but they fit a standard tenon.
I reamed the pipe lightly and soaked it with sea salt and alcohol. Following the soak, the stem was mounted and oxidation removed with 600, 800, 1,500 and 2,000 grade wet sandpaper. I used a cream silver cleaner on the band. The stem was then buffed with White Diamond and Meguiars plastic polish.
The bowl was lightly buffed with White Diamond and several coats of Carnuba wax, staying away from the nomenclature.
Below is the finished pipe.
rebornpipes 