You are currently viewing 275. Jason Canady’s St. Patrick’s Day Master Collection

275. Jason Canady’s St. Patrick’s Day Master Collection

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!

Jason is the first Pete Geek to my knowledge to have assembled every single year of the St. Patrick’s Day commemoratives, a series which began back in 1998. In so doing, he has cleared up the mystery of the missing 1999 SPD: there wasn’t one. He’s also documented just how special the original 1998 St. Patrick’s Day issue was intended to be. Like a few other K&P releases over the years, it seems to have had two names originally: the “Tri-Colour” (which the Irish call their flag) and the “St. Patrick’s Day.” All the 1998s in Jason’s collection have spectacular grain as well, and he’s gathered enough of them to convince me this was no entry-grade line in its first year, at least. To see such a collection at a pipe show was once common fare for those able to go to such shows. Now that the emphasis at pipe shows has moved away from sharing collections and trading between pipemen to artisan makers, estate dealers and retailers, it seems to me that we can nevertheless thank the internet for giving us a platform for sharing with one another. Thanks, Jason, for inviting us to enjoy this outstanding Peterson collection. It’s a rare treat. -Mark

 

In 2006, I got a job working at the Savannah Morning News in Savannah, Georgia. It’s there that I fell in love with the Saint Patrick’s Day holiday. Savannah is full of Irish descendants who take the holiday seriously, and the city boasts one of the largest SPD parades in the world. Though I’ve since moved back to my hometown in North Carolina, I still treat the holiday with fervor and take the day off from work. It’s a good time to visit my local Irish pub, smoke that year’s Peterson SPD model and pair it with a cold pint. After I became a fan of Peterson pipes, it was only natural for me to gravitate to collecting Petersons with stamps that commemorate my favorite holiday.

1998 SPD 106

The first Peterson SPD pipe I purchased was a 1998 106 model that someone was selling with a Chacom pipe in a package deal. I resold the French pipe and socked away the Peterson in a cigar box. I’d never seen a pipe sporting the colors of the Irish flag on a band and I knew it was special.

 

THE HUNT

I don’t know exactly when it happened, but one day I realized I had about four SPD pipes in consecutive years. That’s when the idea first came to me to collect one model from each year. I remember saying to myself, “Jason, that’s crazy. There’s too many pipes. Even if you got them all, you’re looking at adding over 20 pipes to your collection.” I reasoned it would be a large collection for any piper just in itself. But I love a good hunt, and soon I started stringing together consecutive years. I found the 2009, 2010, and 2011 and somehow 2006, 2007, and 2008 popped up. I needed a 2004 and one would appear as if the pipe universe itself were lending a hand. I kept a list of what I was missing and fellow pipe friends from PSOI joined in the hunt. Pipers are good about that: we help each other and we’re a great community of friendly, like-minded people. I’d often get messages with a link, “hey, do you have this one?”

2008 XL02

The 2008 was one of the hardest to find. It was the first year Peterson made the pipes green and they had trouble with the finish. Even if you found one, it most likely had lost its color.

I was fortunate enough to find an XL02 with most of its color intact. I keep all green-colored pipes wrapped up and stored away from the sun and return them there after I smoke them. Indirect light, not just direct sunlight, can affect a green pipe’s finish. They say proof is in the pudding, and I say that’s why my pipes stay green while I see other’s green pipes lose their color.  I’ve discovered some pipers don’t mind if their green fades. In fact, some quite enjoy it looking at the gradual discoloration with the same wonderment as a changing meerschaum pipe.

The XL21 / Hudson as 2000 SPD

Though it took a couple of years, before I knew it I was down to just one—the 2000. I found the earlier models were harder to locate. I finally completed my list and announced it on on the PSOI Facebook page ,thanking everyone who helped me on my quest. I then set out to collect every model released from the 1998 first generation.

 

THE 1998 FIRST ISSUES

The problem, I quickly discovered, was there wasn’t much to go on regarding the shapes of the 1998 first-issue SPD pipes. I began to make my own list based on pipes I saw online or someone smoking. I wrote down the shapes and began hunting the pipes. I’ve been lucky so far. I don’t know of anyone who has this many. Some of the pipes in my collection are unsmoked. I’ve never before bought a pipe to keep and not smoke. Pipes were meant to be smoked. It reminds me of a fine airplane built to fly. What if we stuck it in a hanger? Everyone would come by and admire its beauty but wouldn’t be living up to its potential or even doing what it was designed to do in the first place. It’s meant to fly! I’ve heard Glen Whelan, the director of sales at Peterson once say, “We build ’em to smoke!”

I’ve noticed the grain on the original 1998 pipes is outstanding, dispelling the stereotype that all the SPD pipes are entry level to mid-tier. I’ve also noticed the pipes have a nice coating on the bowls that helps me clean and restore the pipes when necessary.

1998 – X1. This was one of two shapes featured in the Racing Green / Claret special collections released in 1997 as Bernadette O’Neil’s launch into the amazing Dublin era shape world, the likes of which we’ll probably never see again. In the Racing Green / Claret editions, this pipe had no shape number. Here it is stamped X-1. Way to go, Jason! -Mark

 

1998 – D3. I’ve heard it said that the D and B shapes of the Dublin era (1991-2018) have no relevance or viable connection to the grand tradition of K&P design. While it’s true that some of those shapes did not further or elaborate what we expect in a Peterson, this D3, while it may have originally been meant for the Danish market, simply exudes Old Dublin charm. If I ever see a P-Lip version of this, either in an SPD or any other line, stay out of my way. I might (accidentally) knock you down to get to it! -Mark

1998 – 268. It’s possible this is a replacement stem, but given the distinctly Peterson bend, I don’t think so. This kind of stem-bending on what would otherwise be straight pipes not only seems very Irish to me, but was much more common from the 1960s through the 1980s. It then seemed to drop out of favor, which is a pity, as you can almost hear Barry Fitzgerald and the other characters of John Ford’s The Quiet Man laughing if you put your ear over the bowl of this pipe. Oh, and notice it has a fishtail.  – Mark

 

1998-05. What is it about a NOS (new old stock) pipe that is so breath-taking? This 1998 05 has a deep bend in the P-Lip making it even more irresistable. How Jason keeps from smoking it? I don’t want to know.  -Mark

 

1998 – 80S. Yet another NOS, this time in the classic 80s. And here’s the box I made allusion to at the beginning with the important information: the “TRI-COLOUR” stamp indicates that at least initally the St. Patrick’s Day may have been named for the Irish flag. Or maybe it’s just that Irish way of thinking we in the States who weren’t raised in Irish neighborhoods sometimes have trouble with. In either case, boxes are important documents. Hold onto them. Pass them on.

 

 

THE COLLECTION, 2000 – 2022

2000 – XL 21 / Hudson (See full photo further up in post). The first in the set was ironically the last pipe I purchased to complete the set. I found the further back the edition, the harder they were to locate.  Note the nickel band stamp, which was used from 2000 to 2014, with only the year changed. The white paint “P” and shank stamp also typify the series. -Mark

 

2001- XL 20 / Rathbone.  I love the swan neck and this shape is one of my favorites.

 

2002 – XL90.  This year was very difficult to find and this shape was in serious need of lovin’.

 

2003 – 107. (Bring in the heavy artillery! The classic 107 Chubby Billiard in an SPD. Rock n’ Roll, doggie. -Mark)

 

 

2004 – XL 105,  Great smoker this one, the compact billiard holds more tobacco than you’d expect.

 

 

 

 

2005 – 502. The 502 is part of shape group rarely found in America. It’s a great apple shape and the grain on this pipe is out of this world.  (Got to agree with Jason! I wish we had a better apple in the K&P chart. -Mark)

 

 

2006 – 999. This pipe is an odd one. I found it in England. I haven’t seen another 2006 this color. Was it painted? If they did, it was a professional job. (This is the red lacquer finish similar to that used on the 1997 Claret Collection. K&P also used it on the Around the World line. -Mark)

 

 

2007 – 68. (The great 68, a chubby brandy introduced c. 1979. One of the most fantastic shapes in the catalog to cradle. If you find one with a P-Lip and sterling band, consider yourself blessed. -Mark)

2008 – XL 02. (See photos earlier in post.) One of the hardest to find. It was the first time Peterson colored their pipes green in this line and they had a hard time. If you find one from this year, most likely it’s lost its color. This one has a little discoloration but its green is still strong.

 

 

2009 – 306. The grain is awesome on this pipe. Straight grain on one side, birds eye on the other. It’s the only 306 in all of my pipe collection. (The 304 and 306, Paddy Larrigan’s barrel sitters, were his final answer to the problem of a comfortable sitting System. It takes its design cue from the 1945 Specialty Quartet’s barrel. Both, of course, evoke the Irish love for pubs and good beer. -Mark)

 

 

2010 – B31. Another rare shape and hard to find. A curious fellow with a large bowl but thin stem. (The B31, the Boyne from the Rivers Collection, is another shape I would argue belongs in the catalog. I think it has to do with the rather bulbously-shaped bowl. It just speaks “Irish” to me. Imagine it in a P-Lip. Or a fishtail. Marvelous. -Mark)

 

 

2011 – 221. To my knowledge, this is the first year Peterson put a decorative sleeve on their pipes. The grain on this pipe is outstanding and the stain rivals the high-end natural stain. (Another bygone glory of the Dublin era days! The decorative sleeves and fancy display boxes. . . . Incidentally, this one would have been designed by Tom Palmer’s partner Elke Ullmann.

 

2012 – 107.  I’m a big fan of the 107 shape and you’ll find many in my pipe collection. The grain here is off the charts. This pipe is very special. The gentleman I purchased it from was selling off his entire collection and he said this pipe was his best and favorite smoker. He didn’t know why but it was special. He was right. This pipe is one of my favorite smokers and it’s naturally sweet and draws effortlessly. (Just one word: MUSCLE. -Mark)

 

2013 – 268, B60, B58. This year is one of my favorites for the SPD line. The walnut stain pairs great with the contrasting lighter stain. The grain on the pipes from this year are splendid. This year there were three collectible shapes within the collectables and I have all three. 268, b60, and an unsmoked B58.

 

2014 – X220 and 107. This was a great sandblast year.

 

 

2015 – XL105, 221. Peterson went all out and engraved a Celtic knot at the top of the bowl and paired it with a color band and rich green stain. When the team at Peterson gets together and brainstorm ideas they create a few pipes to see them in person in order to make a final decision. I have one of the experimental SPD pipes from 2015 that never saw the light of day. It’s one of my prized possessions. It maybe and probably is the only one in existence. It’s unsmoked and will remain so. This pipe I consider a model or Peterson collectible and is not a pipe to smoke. I have many other pipes to smoke. This year also had the best box sleeve in my opinion and was the last time Peterson used a sleeve.

 

 

2016 – XL02. This XL02 has a great tight straight grain. This year was either a love it or hate it kind of a year. I loved them. I think orange is a very unappreciated color.

 

2017 -150. This is one of my favorite years for the SPD pipe. Peterson has mastered their green stain at this point and the color is rich and dark like a jewel. This year has a nice clear coat and the band sports an engraved Celtic knot and shamrock.

 

 

 

2018 – 106 Filter. I almost broke my consecutive streak with this one. I wasn’t crazy about the bright yellow thin stem. But when I saw the filtered version that thickened the stem, I said. “Yes, I can do that.” Ironically this has become one of my favorite pipes and not only is it beautiful, it’s a great smoker. I have it reserved for aromatics.

 

 

2019 – 01, XL302, XL307. System goes green. If I can’t decide on a shape I buy more than one. After all it’s a System pipe and a perfect dry smoke is hard to beat.

 

2020 – Tankard & 68. I wasn’t sure about this one when they previewed it. But I went with the 68 model and right away I saw the pictures didn’t do it justice. It glows with several layers of green with the sandblast having soaked in that stain. It has a nice acrylic stem. I never worry about oxidation and this one tasted sweet right out of the box. The tankard was the rarest of the shapes for this year. It’s great for carrying to the pub. It easily breaks down and slips in and out of my pocket as needed.

 

2021- 268. The first year of the SPD stands. I love this almost off-turquoise green stem. Peterson has applied their new rustication and this shape was the hardest one to get from this year. I bought the XL 11 when they were released but found that I don’t have that kind of bowl time. I sold it and found the more compact Zulu that fits into my schedule.

 

 

2022 – 606 and D20. The 606 pot which has lately become my favorite shape and has been absent from the last SPD series.

 

An Old Irish Blessing

May your days be many and your troubles be few.
May all God’s blessings descend upon you.
May peace be within you, may your heart be strong.
May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.
May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us.
May the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us.
May thy Salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and for evermore.

—St. Patrick

 

 

SLAVA UKRAINI!

Молись за Україну
Pray for Ukraine

 

 

 

4.9 8 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

30 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sébastien Canévet
Sébastien Canévet
2 years ago

Thanks to Jason and Mark for this review of all the SPD pipes… Now, I think I’ ll search one of them to add to my collection 🙂

Jason Canady
Jason Canady
2 years ago

Mark I’m speechless. What a great article that documents this line and provides information for Peterson pipe enthusiasts now and for the future. Thank you for allowing me to share my collection with fellow pipers throughout the world. You did a wonderful job! Big thank you and happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ to everyone!

Stan
Stan
2 years ago
Reply to  Jason Canady

Jason, it’s not full collection! 😉
You have 2009 FT, but how about to have 2009 P-Lip? 😉

Jorgen Jensen
Jorgen Jensen
2 years ago

Good morning and thank you once again Jason.

William Auld
William Auld
2 years ago

Thanks, Mark and Jason, for this St Patrick’s Day surprise! Brightened an Irish weather day here. A stunning collection, every one a beauty. A happy St Patrick’s to all!

Colé
Colé
2 years ago

Magnifique collection! Merci pour votre article.

C. Patrick Osborn
C. Patrick Osborn
2 years ago

Great collection and information. The SPD pipes were one of the first I purchased when I got serious about pipes and the first I started to collect (got six to go for the full set). Some of these SPD’s are my favorite smokers. Great start to a great day. Thanks.

Joe Marti
Joe Marti
2 years ago

Great article, great prayer. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

In addition to a stellar collection, Jason has the only other SPD ‘98 shape 69 I’ve seen besides the one my uncle gave me (and you helped to identify, Mark). I happen to think 1998 was the most attractive to my taste. I will say that mine seems to have a fill, but overall the grain is very nice.

Eri Billing
Eri Billing
2 years ago

I have a 2015 105 St.Patricks day pipe that is Green / Brown the colour has,faded to brown since I smoked it Very weird but its still a good pipe

Andy Camire
Andy Camire
2 years ago

What incredibly great collection focus and narrative. Thanks so Mark and Jason for sharing. And yes, I miss seeing collections such as this at our pipe shows.

Andy Camire
Andy Camire
2 years ago
Reply to  Mark Irwin

I agree Mark. In years past some show organizers would award prizes for best collections, i.e. brand, straight grains, antique, etc. And some shows still do this. Chicago and CORPS for example have different categories for collections, and The West Coast pipe show also has one or two prizes I believe. So many fine collections are never seen by us such as Jason’s. Luckily we have online viewing of some fine collections but seeing them in person is just so amazing. Maybe amping up the prizes would bring back more interest??

James Walsh
James Walsh
2 years ago

Fantastic collection Jason! I’m happy to know that I played a small part in getting the 1998 05 in your hands! Couldn’t have gone to a better home! Mark, thanks for allowing Jason to showcase his collection and share with the Pete nuts! I really enjoyed your cometary.

Jason Canady, C.P.G.
Jason Canady, C.P.G.
2 years ago
Reply to  James Walsh

big thanks James!

Douglas Owen
Douglas Owen
2 years ago

Incredibly impressive. Did you all notice the 2012 and 2013 pipes have that rather rare “paisley” grain pattern? Thanks Jason for the look at a wonderful collection. However, I must URGE you to smoke the unsmoked ones, they are calling to you on St.Patrick’s day, I can hear them beckoning like a fair Irish maiden begging to be loved. Happy St Patrick’s to everyone, let us all fire up our favorite Peterson today and hoist a glass.

Christopher Lauer
Christopher Lauer
2 years ago

What an awesome collection of SPD pipes Jason!!! Thanks you for sharing them and thanks to Mark once again for writing a fantastic article and documenting the SPD. There is no doubt that one day I will venture down this rabbit hole at which time this article will be a great guide. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all.

Chris Streeper
Chris Streeper
2 years ago

Thank you to Jason & Mark both for sharing this story. What a remarkable collection!

Being of Irish descent myself, the SPD pipes hold special meaning to me. I have a 1998 (221) and a 2004 (150). I had one of the 2008 green SPD pipes but it discolored. I tossed it on the saddle bag of my motorcycle and ended up losing it on a road trip several years ago.

I would love to track down a couple 150’s to add to my SPD collection; a 1998 Irish Flag Tricolour and a 2016 Orange Ring.

Lee Skiver
Lee Skiver
2 years ago

Thanks Jason and Mark for a wonderful showcase!

Happy St. Paddy’s Day to all, and hope y’all enjoy this toast I came across!

“To Irishmen and the descendants of Irish Men: They have sustained the cause of civil freedom in every clime where it required a tongue to advocate it, or an arm to defend it.”
-John Laurence Manning, March 17, 1839

Al Jones
Al Jones
2 years ago

Wow, what a collection! I love a collection with a specific focus. Pet Pete Peeve – those leather Peterson pipe stands are just too short – I have other ones (and ones I made) that all allow the pipe to nestle down securely on the stand. The Peterson stands make it feel like the pipe is precariously perched on top of the stand.

Rob Guttridge
Rob Guttridge
8 months ago
Reply to  Mark Irwin

The leather Peterson stands do work well with shapes like 150 and 305, which have skinny bottoms. But for fat-bottom Petes, they are like pants that no longer fit.

Eric B
Eric B
2 years ago

Mark, does anyone have a complete collection of the Christmas pipes?

Martin
Martin
2 years ago

outstanding grain on the first picture. What a collection again.

Joshua Johnson
Joshua Johnson
1 year ago

I have the 2015 with the sleeve, box and bag I bought in Dublin in March of 2015. It also remains unsmoked because it’s one of my favorites

John Schantz
John Schantz
10 months ago

Looking back through these SPD pipes today 1/21/24, I noticed that the 2913 trio shapes are labeled 268, B58, B60. I believe that the 268 is actually the B35, yes/no???

trackback

[…] a professional writer, educator and graphic designer. Jason has previously contributed Post #274, Post #275, and Post […]

Martin K
Martin K
22 days ago

Wow! What a collection and so many beautiful pipes. I am going to have to look for a SPD pipe for sure.