Peterson Calabash Tobacco Pipes

Calabash shapes are a classic piece of pipe history and Peterson has paid homage to the design often. Examples of Peterson Calabash Pipes show up early in the company’s story and continue to delight tobacco enthusiasts today.

Peterson Tobacco Pipes, the early years

Charles Peterson opened a small tobacco shop in Dublin, Ireland in 1865. The world of fine tobacco pipes would never be the same again.

In 1875, Charles Peterson approached Friedrich and Heinrich Kapp with a bold claim: He knew what would revolutionize the tobacco pipe. Such a bold statement was bound to foster a bit of healthy competition. The ostentatious introduction almost caused the Dublin-based pipe makers to continue on their own. To the great joy of tobacco pipe smokers the world over, the brothers found Peterson was right and a partnership was born.

Eventually, Charles Peterson would help the Kapp Brothers create the Peterson Dry System, which would change the pipe world forever.

The history of Kapp and Peterson can easily be broken up by eras and the tobacco pipes associated with them.

Prepatent and patent years

These early years are known as the prepatent and patent eras. It was in these years that the Calabash shape first appears in the Knapp and Peterson lineup.

The company’s name changed from Kapp Brothers to Kapp and Peterson, honoring the new partnership. From it’s formation in 1875,Peterson Tobacco Pipes were celebrated for their affordability and innovative cooling system. From 1890 to 1915 the company would file for dozens of patents to protect their brand.

The Peterson Dry System was unveiled during these early years. Peterson Pipe’s other famous differentiator, the P-Lip Stem, was also born during these years. Many of these early pipes were made out of Meerschaum or clay. Very different from the briar pipes the brand is famous for today.

Knapp and Peterson made their first Calabash pipes around 1898.

What is a Calabash shape?

Origins of Calabash Pipes

Calabash tobacco pipes were first made from gourd and Meerschaum. These were made by forming a sunkencup shape using the natural contours of the gourd for it’s shape. Think of the cap of a mushroom. The oldest varieties usually featured a silver cap for the bowl.

The Calabash pipe today

The Calabash tobacco pipes of today are usually designed with a deep bend, although the gourd-like bowls can sometimes feature straight stems like the Peterson Silver Spigot XL05, it’s rare.

Peterson Calabash Pipes

Peterson produces many Calabash style pipes. Interpretations of the Calabash shape can be found in nearly every Peterson line. The most popular currently are in the Churchwardens, such as the Peterson Calabash Red Churchwarden.

Peterson Calabash Pipes are a long-standing part of the Peterson brand. Whichever series you choose, a distinctive Calabash will keep you stylish for years to come.