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The 999 Rhodesian is our best-selling Peterson shape. You may have one sitting in your pipe rack right now. For many, the form's crisp beadlines, stout walls, and muscular transition epitomize the marque's signature aesthetic. But few remember its full history, the story of a shape that changed and evolved, and one that was very nearly lost to time.
The 999 first appeared in Peterson's catalogues in 1937. Stout, jovial, and masculine, it captured an essential Englishness for the Irish marque, and was later dubbed the "John Bull" after the national personification of England. For decades, the shape retained its name and distinctive character — chubby proportions accentuated by a stout, tubular shank, tapered mouthpiece, and more often than not, Peterson's signature P-Lip bit.
The mid 1980s marked an era of transition for Peterson, however, and the design was eventually retired and replaced with another, slightly leaner Rhodesian shape, the 998. The 998 assumed the John Bull's 999 stamp but preserved the former's lighter, leaner proportions. The original 999, it seemed, had been lost.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at Peterson's 2019 Pipe of the Year in this episode of Around the Burl
Then in 2018, Peterson made an important discovery: Amidst dusty boxes of stummels, darkened by time, sat an unfinished bowl from a classic John Bull. Recognizing an opportunity to honor the shape's storied history, the marque used that vintage stummel as the model for the 2019 Pipe of the Year, reviving the celebrated classic for a new generation to enjoy.
The 2019 Pipe of the Year celebrates the original 999 shape, complete with the old form's stouter shank, broad sterling silver band, and canonical P-Lip mouthpiece. It's available in Smooth, Ebony, Sandblasted, and Rusticated finishes, with the addition of extremely rare Natural finished editions (only 10 were made for the entire world). Whether you're a fan of Peterson's Rhodesians or simply a pipe history enthusiast, the 2019 John Bull would make an excellent addition to your collection, where it would never again be forgotten.
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Comments
My first Peterson pipe was a 999 Rhodesian, smooth natural finish. Purchased at a drug store in Klamath Falls, OR in 1964, just before departing for my next USAF assignment in NDAK. Yes, there was an air base in Klamath Falls. We flew the F-101 Voodoo interceptors. Still enjoying that pipe. Hope I can find a very nice 2019 POY, but, with only ten naturals made, I'm not holding out much hope for one of those.
i want to order the 999
@Brent Lipham We can help with that! You can find the Peterson 2019 Pipe of the Years here: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/peterson/index.cfm?tag=5680
You can reach out to us via email at [email protected] or via phone at 1-888-366-0345 and we can place the order for you when you decide which pipe you'd like!
Just purchased the 2019 Peterson Pipe Tabacco. An outstanding flavour burns well a beautiful smoke. Compares very well with their 2017 a vast difference from 2018 Which I really disliked 10/10 Well done Smoking King Leeds U.K.Great service as always
I purchased my first Peterson Pipe in 1971. I chose it from under the glass at L.J. Peretti Co. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The pipe was and still is a Peterson “SPORTS”, today often referred to as a nose burner, I think. In any event, I have treated it like a good friend and it gives me more pleasure than any briar in my collection.
Why only 10 naturals?
I just bought the john bull 999 pipe of the year ,as its a sytem pipe can you take it apart right after smokeing it...i know on mist pipes thats a BIG DON'T...Any help would be great thanks and happy pipeing...Larry.
@Larry Williamson I hope you're enjoying your new pipe! It does not have an army mount, so it's best not to take the pipe apart when hot. While there are some system pipes with an army mount, this pipe isn't one of them. You can read more here as well: https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/the-complete-guide-the-peterson-system-pipe-startling-revelations-about-charles-petersons-greatest-inventionI hope this helps!
Any. Kaywoodie pipes around ?
Kaywoodie. Still made?
@Joseph Bentivoglio Thanks for reaching out today. Kaywoodie pipes are still produced under S. M. Frank Co. & Inc. They also make Medico and Yello-Bole pipes. We also receive Kaywoodies as estates from time to time, and they can be found under our American Estates section when in stock: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/estate/united-states/Regards,Samuel
I can't find information on the Peterson pipe 192/1000. Can any one help please?
@John: We would be more than happy to take a look for you and answer any questions you may have. Please send along your inquiry plus any images you have of the pipe to our customer service email at [email protected] Regards -- Samuel