50. Peterson B Shapes, Part 3 (B22 – B34)
Here we are in the middle of the B shapes, the great contribution of the recent “Dublin” or Tom Palmer era of Peterson’s shape catalog. I’ll begin with the disclaimer that what follows is undoubtedly not the whole story, nor even the last word, on any of these shapes. But it is a beginning, and I hope helpful to fellow companioners of these marvelous pipes. The reader can see the originals for all the Limited Edition shapes in another entry found on this site, as well as blogs on the B23 in its original presentation. Corrections, emendations and advice always welcome! B22 / Antique Collection 1904 – 1908 The B22 is the first of two shapes derived from the 1904 – 1908 Antique Collection released in 2005. A diamond-shanked half-bent billiard, it appeared to great effect in the Italian Rock of Cashel line with contrast-stain blast (bottom), sterling mount, marmalade acrylic stem and hot-foil stamped P. It was also released in the Dublin Castle series (top) with 9mm filter, sterling band and vulcanite fishtail stem, hot-foiled stamped P, and just this year in the entry-grade black sandblast through James Fox, with a vulcanite stem and hot-foil P. 1908 Antique Collection Measurements: Length: 6.02 in. / 152.91 mm. Bowl Height: 1.83 in. / 46.88 mm. Chamber Diameter: 0.83 in. / 21.08 mm. Chamber Depth: 1.57 in. / 39.88 mm. Outside Diameter: 1.63 in. / 41.40 mm. Weight: 1.79 oz. / 50.80 g. B23 / Antique Collection 1904 – 1908 The B23 is the second shape in the 1904 – 1908 Antique Collection from 2005. As I’ve already devoted blog space to this marvelous shape, I’ll only add that it’s a shame it didn’t make it into the Classics Range: it’s got a pedigree and in its B23 releases says “Peterson” loud and clear. The Italian-only Rock of Cashel is a lovely work (above), with sterling band and acrylic stem, hot foil P. The Kapet release (below) is a real handful, released in very small numbers, and featuring a vulcanite stem and nickel band. Stan recently told me that it has also been released in the Dublin Castle line. 1904 Antique Collection Measurements: Length: 6.16 in. / 156.46 mm. Bowl Height: 1.95 in. / 49.53 mm. Chamber Diameter: 0.79 in. / 20.07 mm. Chamber Depth: 1.56 in. / 39.62 mm. Outside Diameter: 1.63 in. / 41.40 mm. Weight: 1.80 oz. / 51.03 g. B24 / LE 2005 The B24 debuted as the exquisite XL prince, the Limited Edition 2005, one of the high-water marks in the Peterson Pipe of the Year history with its intricately stamped spigot and band scrollwork. I gave one to my nephew awhile back and hope that someday he’ll smoke it and say, “Wow! I can’t believe what a cool pipe this is.” Anyway, as a B shape it appeared in the Kapet line seen below with a nickel band and saddle vulcanite stem, P hot foil stamped. The last of the bowls appeared in the…