PSA: Second Batch of ZIPPOs deadline 3/3
It is with considerable delight that I present the remarkable Lee Skiver this morning to those Pete Geeks who don’t already know him. It’s not every day that we meet a pipeman who’s also a piper and a West Point grad!
Ever noticed how many Pete Geeks are avid readers?
In short, I’m an ex-Army recovering banker and current pest control operator who likes to play bagpipes, guitar and rugby, ride bikes, and of course smoke pipes!
Outside my personal hobbies, I’m a married father of three, burgeoning Anglican and love to go on road-trip adventures with my family, to places as far-flung as South Dakota, South Florida, and the North Country of NY State.
Not too long ago I moved to Charlotte, NC, unfortunately during the lockdowns, and haven’t had much time to seek-out other like-minded pipe smokers in my area. But when I can, I enjoy a convivial relationship with my local tobacconist, the famed McCranie’s.
As far as pipe smoking goes, if I weren’t focused on Peterson’s pipes, I’d have no self control in my collection. Further, if I weren’t seeking unusual, uncommon, or undiscovered Petes to companion, my shelves would be overflowing with shapes and styles that I can’t live without.
The 1990 System Commemorative set in Pebble Grain Rustic
I will, though, share more, in-depth, about why, and how I came to know, appreciate, and love Peterson pipes, particularly the archetypal shape 9 (307).
Every Pete has a story, or so the saying goes…
In our current era or at least for myself in particular, it seems all too often that I’m caught saying “so, I snagged this new Pete online.” And, of course, there must be a great number of excellent stories behind the numerous estate Petes that one finds and companions, but most often those stories are left to flights of fantasy in my imagination and the stories that I hope to wrap them into over the course of our companionship.
As a recently renewed (or is it refreshed?) Pete Geek, I find myself with an almost equal number of new and estate Petes. So I’m a bit challenged to spin a great yarn about any one of them in particular, although I might be able to conjure a fantastical backstory for some of my more unique pieces. “The little grey cells” aren’t up to the challenge right now, what with all the young enquiring minds in my household preoccupying my imagination with tales of unicorns and semi-friendly dinosaurs (T-Rex to be specific). I will therefore try to lay out my own journey to the pipe, joining the brotherhood of briar and most importantly, how I came to know to Mr. Peterson’s smoking instruments.
Great Classic Range shapes
I suppose the story really begins long ago in my youth, growing up in the Old North State (North Carolina for the uninitiated), during a time when tobacco was still a big going concern and rather conspicuous, even in the life of a child with few relatives who’d ever even smoked the wicked weed. Cigarette ads still adorned billboards, tobacco fields were more common than even cotton and could be found dotting even some of the most suburban areas, and tobacco barns lined the every two lane highway that crisscrossed the Eastern half of the state.
Nobody in my immediate family smoked. In fact, my father abhorred the smell of cigarettes, a byproduct of the aroma coming off his own father’s after-shift snack of hardboiled eggs and unfiltered Camels. My grandfather was a NYC beat cop who clearly knew how to unwind after a long day. Still, I had a fascination for the king crop of my home state and always enjoyed the smell and ambiance of a smoky room—remember those were days when you could smoke indoors and nobody looked at you funny.
D20s start to finish
Somewhere along the way the regional history of tobacco converged with regional Civil War history in my imagination and I remember discovering the hobby of Civil War reenactment, thinking how fun it might be to play the part of a Rebel drummer boy. How does one go about learning to drum a single snare with the least amount of expenditure? While visiting the state capitol for Independence day one July, my mother had a revelation: why shouldn’t her boy learn to drum in the only Boy Scout Bagpipe band in the country, our council’s very own Occoneechee Highlanders? Funny thing was, at the first practice I attended, I wasn’t all that taken by the drums, but was enthralled by the skirl of the bagpipes—they had me hooked, and I didn’t look back. I’ve taken a hiatus or two, but I continue to play to this day, mostly for my own amusement, or my kids . . . (usually not my wife) . . . but I digress.
Back to the baccy… At one point in my youth, I got my hands on an old corncob and fancied myself Huck Finn in the backyard, down by the creek, smoking some horrible bamboo-like leaf, hacking up half a lung. But real smoking—that came with age, boldness and the encouragement of other like-minded young boys in need of rebellion. I shared some cigarettes with friends in high school and although I’d already tried my hand at the cob, my next brush with pipe smoking came vicariously.
Systematic Quartet
When the first of my youthful clan to turn 18, he proudly sauntered down to the local tobacconist to buy himself a ‘proper’ (basket) pipe and all the trappings – including the most sickly sweet and sticky cherry cavendish, as is most appealing to the neophyte. Needless to say, if ever one needed a cautionary tale about smoking tobacco, my chum provided the prime example when, alone, unafraid, and untrained, he smoked down his first (and last) bowl of that aromatic delight. In short order he proceeded spewed-up the entire day’s worth of sustenance and in such a violent manner that he found himself with a small hemorrhage in his eye for the next couple weeks. That incident scared me enough to stop thinking about tobacco for another year or so.
Then how, you ask, did I come to pick up the pipe? Well, by fate or grace I fell in with the right crowd of tobacco-loving, pipe-smoking, bagpiping cadets at my establishment of higher learning, on the West bank of the Hudson river, North of the Great Bear Mountain—The United States Military Academy at West Point—or as some of us colloquially knew it, the “South Hudson Institute of Technology”!
One of the most beautiful 308s I’ve ever seen
As I had been playing the bagpipes on and off since middle school, and was 19 years old, tethered to my Rockbound Highland Home and in need of a social outlet, one that afforded opportunities to escape the ennui of gray, cold weekends. So I gladly joined the Pipe and Drum band knowing that my excursions would like be on the dime of the Cadet Activities fund. So I rekindled my piping skills of yore and rather quickly a new kind of piping was also kindled in my heart. The tradition of pipe smoking bagpipers at West Point was initially unknown to me but had been handed down from generation to generation and was adhered to by the most dedicated ‘pipers’ in our band. Another unknown to me when I joined: the band would be taking a long-planned and highly anticipated Spring Break trip to participate in the St. Paddy’s Day festivities on the Auld Sod! In Dublin, no less.
Needless to say, I was thrilled to find myself enjoying an old pastime, making new friends and being handed opportunities for foreign travel. Most of all, I became fast friends with two bandmates both older than I, which is uncommon for a plebian, or “Plebe” at West Point. It wasn’t long before these two gents convinced me that, under the proper tutelage, adding the art of pipe smoking to my repertoire would afford unlimited moments of solace, companionship, contemplation, and perhaps even revelation. And so it was that I made my first humble steps on the journey towards fate and at the very same tobacconist’s at which my high school chum procured his ill-advised starter kit.
Rare Smoke: the 1990 SH System Original 05
Luckily for me, I had the advantage of two relatively seasoned pipe smokers to hold my hand and guide me into the brotherhood of briar. On top of the essential skills of a pipe smoker – packing, lighting, tamping, cadence, etc. – my tutors also taught me about the broad range of pipe crafting styles, shapes and systems, their preferences leaning toward the Danish and the Irish. Most importantly, they directed me to the incomparable experience of smoking the highest quality leaf from none other than McClelland’s, chief amongst those mixtures being Dark Star.
The Thinking Man’s Pipe (shape 4 / 309)
As the year progressed, thoughts began to crystalize at the back of our minds but moving ever so steadily to forefront, that the trip to Ireland was coming and a most essential stop during our time in Dublin must be a pilgrimage to the Peterson shop on Grafton Street.
The Lee from the 2007 Rivers Collection: This should never, ever have left the catalog with its classic, innovative Irish design language.
When the day came to board our Aer Lingus Airbus, the excitement was palpable, not least because we’d be hosted by the Irish Defense Forces and march in celebratory parades with them both in Limerick and Dublin (on the holy day of St. Patrick itself). Of course, beyond our official duties, our quest to Grafton St. would be paramount.
The Bard (left) and 2nd year Carrollton (right)
As all good things come to those who wait, we finally got the chance to descend on the Peterson shop the day after St Paddy’s, just a day before our return to West Point. My two associates knew precisely what they were after: the one a deeply bent billiard (probably a 312 Standard or De Luxe 11S), and the other a silver wind-cap bulldog (which must have been a De Luxe 150). On the other hand, I was overwhelmed by both the number of Petersons in one place and the fact that I was having to make my first real pipe purchasing decision. Which Peterson would be best? How could I ever know? Does the smoker choose the pipe or does the pipe choose the smoker? No sweat, one of the ever-capable salesmen asked me if I wished to have a great all-around smoker, one most exemplary of Mr. Peterson’s house style. How could I say no?
The XL18 Oom Paul: Emerald (back) and System Commemorative (front)
And so it was that my first Pete came to me, the beautiful, stout and steadfast 307 Standard System. With a couple ounces of the house blend (De Luxe Mixture, I’m sure), I departed a happy lad, eager for my first bowl. I didn’t have to wait long, because our next stop was a pub, and these were still the days when civilized men could smoke within the confines of reputable public houses. There we were, three young pipers, piping away to our hearts content. And there I was, without even an inkling that I become a devoted Pete Geek.
Alas, this is only the beginning of my tale, and like many an adventure, the next chapter featured a fall from pipe smoking grace – a wandering in the wilderness, if you will – but, then finally there was a return to sanity and the peace that comes with a fine hunk of Irish-crafted briar.
Photos courtesy Lee Skiver
Two things of note this week in my Catch & Release: a extraordinary c. 1906 Peterson Patent packing box and the Charles Peterson 140th Anniversary commemorative pipe from 2005.
Light for the Path
Chris Tarman
Brian Heydn
Gary Hansen
Jacob Verstrate
Nevaditude
Chris Streeper
In the Rearview Mirror:
SHERLOCK HOLMES IORA SANDBLAST
So I knew the Iora SH pipes were coming, but confess they caught me off guard when they were released last Friday at SPE. This is a “CP” Special Collection release. I had hoped to let everyone know in advance, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out. I don’t know what shapes were released nor how many pipes were made. I only know what was in the advert email: they released 47 pipes Friday morning 2/24 on site and a few in the Nassau St. store. I’m sure the devoted in the US were up early for the Dublin release. At this writing, there’s only 3 of the Originals left.
Photos courtesy Smokingpipes.eu
Hi Mark,
With as limited as the 140th Anniversary pipe was, any idea how many were actually made in smooth? I think it’s fair to say that it’s basically a mythical piece. Incredible of you to send it back out to sea.?
Matt, Tony Whelan, Jr., told me at the factory in 2013 that “about 300 pipes were made.” They had wanted 1000, which was the typical POY run at that time (2005). That 300 included all finishes. Since 2005, I have only seen 1 sandblast and none rusticated. I have also seen 1 with a fishtail stem (bizarre). This particular pipe was 1 of 6 available at Cupojoes in 2005/06, all of which were smooth. Sorry I can’t be of more help! (BTW, I lean on the side of Smoker rather than Collector, and as I gave up English/Balkans several years… Read more »
Hi Mark, Always a wealth of incredible information. Your story about cup o joes made me look back to an email I sent them in 2014. I reached out at the time about the 150th anniversary pipe- set for release in 2015. Back in 2014 as you’ll see in my email below, I was of the understanding the 140th anniversary had only 140 made (and maybe that number was for the smooth?) and that in 05 they didn’t do a standard POY so this email didn’t age too well but I’ll display anyway because you reference this being one of… Read more »
Thanks for sharing your Pete’s with us Lee. There are some great pipes in there, beautiful.
Dang, I missed the SH Iora’s….well there were two left when I just looked, but they are both a shape I dislike….oh well. I do not get the heads-up emails from EU….I will now?
Any chance there are any SH Iora’s sent across the pond??? That Professor is awesome, one of my favorite shapes?
I love that 140th catch & release, a pipe I have been pining for ever since I first found out they existed years ago. Alas, they are so rare. I see the auction is going to someone with crazy deep pockets. I guess I will never companion one. Man I wish Peterson would make some of those stocky deluxe taper stems, saddles and army mounts just don’t cut it for me?
By the way Lee, those leather magnetic pipe stands are awesome??
Thanks John, happy to share my pipes, and I’m toying with a v2 of the stands right now… still trying to get the magnet combo right… maybe introduce some coloring or finishing, we’ll see!
It´s great to see some faces behind the pipes.
Awesome article as always.
Love reading about the the Pete geeks. The bookshelf photo definitely says a lot about a piper!
I really enjoy reading these articles of fellow Geeks! Nice to put faces to the names and learn about others interests. It sure does seem we do have lots of similar interests. Thanks for another great Sunday morning read Mark!
Great read and the 308 is a beauty! Of course, the others are as well but that 308, wow. …Pipes and pipes – excellent match. Thanks, Lee, from one NC boy to another!
It was certainly luck that landed me that 308… the first one I found, I ended up topping badly (see the one in the background) turning it into a fabled Franken-Pete.
Glad you enjoyed the article William, and many thanks to Mark for hosting me!
Another great article! The Lee is a personal favorite— a top tier pipe in the River collection -right up there with the Suir. What a great collection of pipes…and books ??
Another great read for a Sunday morning! Actually, I read it twice just so I could go back and look at all of Lee’s wonderful pipes again. Wow, there are those wonderful XL 18’s again! Simply fantastic! Lee, besides the obvious connection with the Peterson Pipe, I too will go out of my way to hear the skirl and drone bellowing from a Great Highland Pipe! Lee, thanks for sharing your story and Peterson’s with us this fine morning. And as always, thank you, Mark. By the way, those are some really big smiles and great displays showing off those… Read more »
I am honored to share my companions, and feel very grateful to be a part of this brotherhood.
Gary, I used to make it a point to always travel with a set of bagpipes, and thus have played on four of the seven continents. I shall endeavor to travel always with them again, and so when we meet, I can share those [debatably] charming sounds with you too!
Lee, excellent plan! It would be great if you are planning to attend the CPCC show, you can bring all of your pipes!
Interesting, I too love the sound of the bagpipes.
Wonderful post, just fabulous! Thank you Lee for sharing your story and your beautiful collection, some real gems and clearly all are prized and well loved. ? I also treasure all the pictures of the Geeks and their pipes and lighters. Thanks again Mark for a great post.
I’m glad you enjoyed the story and pipes Paul, it was a lot of fun putting it together, and was the first (maybe last) time I really took stock of all my Petes!
Always love learning about more Pete Geeks! Wonderful collection for sure :). I was fortunate to score two Iora pipes – Professor and Rathbone.
Love these amazing reads about the Pete Geeks throughout the world. Gorgeous pipes! Thanks Lee, thanks Mark! I am happy to hear that the Zippos are so popular. They are beauties for sure, can’t help but smile. be well…
My pleasure Nevaditude! I’m looking forward to including the Zippo in future merit badge pictures for sure!
It’s nice to see the faces of some CPG’s. Lee, that was a great article which struck me in several ways. Firstly, the tin of McClelland’s on the shelf jumped out at me. One of my favourite blends was Blackwoods Flake. It was sad to see the company disappear. Next, the tip of the hat to Hercule Poirot and his “little gray cells”. The bagpipes: remind me of being on the drill team as a young officer and being piped in before the “silent drill” we performed for graduation in the old WW2 plane hanger turned parade auditorium at police… Read more »
Great article and nice pipes. As many others have stated, it’s nice to read about other Pete Geeks and put faces to the names we see in the comments sections.
Lovely display of Petes and lighters… Enjoyed your thoughts of smells of pipe smoking aromas vs cigarettes and thoughts of Huck Finn. I too enjoyed the smells of pipe tobacco as a young man when I would see someone with a pipe. I must say… my thoughts of smoking a pipe probably came from reading J.R.R. Tokien’s series…while in college… “The Lord Of The Rings”, and seeing his picture on the back cover with pipe in hand. A good read and a good pipe in hand… Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pipes.
Blessings…
Nice to reas about other Pete geeks. Hope to meet someone of you all soon at a future pipe show.
I was up late and able to score an Iora rathbone and Watson.
[…] very own Lee Skiver CPG will be at the show for an informal Pete Geek Meet. He’ll be easy to spot as he’ll be sporting […]