Peterson Premiere Selection 9BC

[riff raff]

A few weeks ago, Steve Laug shared a Mark Irwin (co-authoring the upcoming Peterson book) blog on the Peterson Shape 9BC, a chubby billiard. My comment was "Oh-oh, you just added another shape to my “Holy Grail” list…."

https://petersonpipenotes.wordpress.com/2015/04/19/peterson-chubbies-part-2-the-old-9bc/

Sunday night, watching some auctions end, this one showed up, with 44 minutes to go. It was a Pre-Rebublic, but not listed as such. It appeared to be the shape 9BC, although the picture of the shape stamp was unclear. It stayed reasonable and I managed to win the auction, with a bid in the final seconds (despite 2 bid retractions again).

In communication with the seller, he confirmed it is a 9BC. I had to do some research on the Premier Selection grade as I'm not super familiar with Peterson grading. The Premier Selection was just below the Deluxe. Mark commented on his blog that there were less Premiers made than Deluxe pipes. The straight line "Made in Ireland" COM was used from 1947-1949, according to Pipepedia.

The pipe looks to be in terrific shape. The seller said he bought it in 2000 from the founder of the original Tinderbox on Wilshire Blvd.

I'm not a huge fan of P-lip stems, but I've never had a Pre-Republic version, so I'll give it a test whirl. It may be worth having a fishtail stem made, there appears to be a number of makers who can do the "P". I suspect if I send it back to Peterson, they will put on an acrylic stem? (if anyone has knowledge on this, I'd appreciate the input)

I'm looking forward to getting this one in hand, my second Pre-Republic Peterson.

 

[eklektos44]

Very nice. It should clean up into a real beauty. The p-lip is a vexed question, some people love them, some hate them. I'm ambivalent personally. Enjoy!

 

[SpeedyPete]

Congratulations on finding a beautiful pipe, it should be like new once you've finished restoring it.

 

[Hiram-2011]

That's a good looking Pete, I'm sure you will clean it up real nice.

 

[Brewdude]

Beautiful Al. Very similar shape to my XL90, but mine is not Pre-Republic. Still, a great classic shape and you'll make it look brand new again. Looking forward to the refurbished pics.


Cheers,

RR

 

[Idlefellow]

You know I love me some Petes! That's a nice'n!

 

[RDPipes]

That's a handsome pipe there Riff, "P" lip and all and, should clean up real nice.
Good for you sir!

 

[Dutch]

Al, that one is going to be really comfortable in the hand, and with your restoration abilities, I'm sure she will be shining shortly! Congrats on another fine addition to your collection! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

 

[riff raff]

Well, the pipe finally arrived (it was held up at the Baltimore USPS distribution center due to those shenanigans)

What a beauty and not little at 70 grams.  I was surprised to find it had an inlaid, silver P stem logo.  

I finished the pipe tonight and it's in my bag for our trip to Puerto Rico for the test run.

I did a blog entry at Steve's site:
http://rebornpipes.com/2015/05/01/peterson-premiere-selected-9bc/

 

[eklektos44]

Excellent! Cleaned up very nicely. Enjoy!

 

[Puffer Mark]

Lovely pipe and great restoration, riff raff. That little screw-in insert is new to me.

The research I did on my little Pre Republic confirms what you say, 1947 - 1949.

Enjoy.

 

[riff raff]

Mark Irwin commented inn the blog, that the stunner is actually made of bone and is known as a chimney.

 

[riff raff]

I just smoked it for the first time, breaking her in right.  Not bad, the p-lip draw is quite good, the shape feel a little odd but I think that I could get used to this.

 

[Dutch]

I just smoked it for the first time, breaking her in right.  Not bad, the p-lip draw is quite good, the shape feel a little odd but I think that I could get used to this.

The view, or the pipe? 8)

 

[riff raff]

The view, or the pipe? 8)

Both! We left Maryland at 6 AM and that was at 8:30 PM, we're bushed and content just to stare at the ocean.

 

[denholrl]

My favorite Pete shape. I have 2 pre-Republics, a Deluxe and a Sterling. Always looking for more.

Thanks for referring to the blog. I had been unaware of it.

RobD

 

[riff raff]

My favorite Pete shape.  I have 2 pre-Republics, a Deluxe and a Sterling.  Always looking for more.

Thanks for referring to the blog.  I had been unaware of it.

RobD

All 9BC's?? Wow, I'd love to see those, can you post pictures?

 

[denholrl]

Well, there's only 2 so far. Not much of a "collection." And, one I've just sent to Peterson in Sallynoggin for a new stem.

RobD

 

[juanmedusa]

Can you tell how that odd screw in wooden stinger was supposed to work? Is it just drilled straight through? If so, what would that do? Very curious to me.

 

[denholrl]

Sorry I don't know.

RobD