Peterson of Dublin Brief History of Peterson Pipes In 1874, just one year after receiving a prize medal for his efforts at the 1873 London International Exhibition, German émigré Frederick Kapp moved his pipe retail operation from London to Dublin, Ireland, where he opened a new tobacco and pipe shop, making and selling pipes crafted from meerschaum as well as briar root, a relatively new material to the market. Within a year, Frederick employed a young Latvian woodworker named Charles Peterson to help with production and repairs. In 1890, after 15 years of handling and repairing multitudes of pipes, and thinking critically about how to improve their design, Peterson applied for and secured a patent in his own name, titled "A certain new and useful improvement in Tobacco-Pipes," introducing a unique system designed to wick moisture away from the smoke and deliver a fuller tobacco flavor – a design he would continue to improve over the next eight years. By 1896, after winning two gold medals at the International Tobacco Trades Exhibition in London for "Best Finished Pipe" and "Best Patent Pipe," Charles Peterson, together with Frederick's son Alfred Henry, had transformed the small pipe shop and smoking parlour into a budding international export factory, introducing our patented System pipe, as well as a host of other Classic designs, to the hands and minds of enthusiasts worldwide, where Kapp & Peterson has remained for generations. Peterson Aran Series Peterson Quality Craftsmanship As the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, we at Peterson have a certain tradition to uphold, a legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 150 years. From world exhibitions to the silver screen, our pipes have been represented on a global scale and enjoyed by innumerable artists and writers, including Mark Twain, whose love for his System pipe is still perhaps unparalleled to this day. Every pipe in our catalog carries with it that tradition and connection to the past. A Peterson pipe isn't just a utilitarian tool; it's a piece of history you can carry with you in your travels, a faithful companion to accompany you through all that life offers. Read more Dedication to Quality and Craftsmanship Peterson pipes reflect a focus on old world craftsmanship, demonstrated by our celebrated silver work, artisanal sandblasting technique, and signature hand rustication. Our pipes are true Irish products, crafted by Irish people using Irish traditions and techniques we've developed during our 150 years. Our silversmiths, renowned worldwide for their meticulous craftsmanship, are all trained in-house through a rigorous four-to-eight-year apprenticeship. And the same goes for all areas of production here at Peterson; we uphold our tradition of craftsmanship by passing it on to new generations. Inspired by our heritage, we revive classic shapes, celebrate our innovations, and reimagine historic designs. As the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, we’re grounded in the past, but we also look to the future. Read more Details
