Description
Peterson’s Pipe of the Year for 2026 commemorates 30 years of the marque’s most anticipated annual series with a 493 Squat “Cad” Bulldog, inspired by one of Peterson’s oldest and most distinctive shapes, appearing in catalogues as early as 1896. The Pipe of the Year is a celebration of the Irish marque’s legacy and pipe-making prowess, and this edition features a broad, low-slung, horizontal bowl, its breadth and stoutness reflecting Peterson’s characteristically muscular shaping aesthetic. Each piece is fitted with a patented P-Lip mouthpiece and a bright silver accent, honouring the Irish firm’s celebrated engineering and silverwork. Individually serialised and limited to 1,100 pieces globally, the Pipe of the Year is dressed in various finishes and is available now in limited quantities.
Key features of the 2026 POTY
- Shape: A revival of the historic squat Bulldog.
- Stamping: stamped "Made in Ireland 2026", "Peterson Pipe of the Year" plus serial number.
- Mouthpiece: Fitted with a P-Lip system for a unique smoking comfort.
- Band: Features a sterling silver band.
- Limited Edition: Limited to 1100 numbered pieces.
Victory Pipes is thrilled to be one of a select number of stores offering these pipes; in fact, they are in such limited supply that we only obtained one of each shape, so don't delay when considering your purchase. The Peterson Pipe of the Year 2026 is a true collector's dream! Comes with a Celtic-themed drawstring pipe bag, as well as a branded Peterson gift box. Note: pipe stands in images are for photographic purposes only and are not included unless otherwise specified.
| Length | 146mm |
| Weight | 48g |
| Bowl Height | 39mm |
| Bowl Width | 45mm |
| Chamber Depth | 29mm |
| Chamber Width | 20mm |
| Stem Material | Vulcanite |
| Filter | None |
| Shape | Bulldog |
| Finish | Rusticated |
| Material | Briar |
About The Range
In addition to their regular production ranges, Peterson also offers a number of limited-edition series unique to each year. These lines celebrate their rich history and tradition of craftsmanship, often looking to the past in order to innovate for tomorrow. From the annual Saint Patrick's Day and Christmas Pipe series to their singular Pipe of the Year models, these pieces are crafted for true Peterson collectors and enthusiasts.
About Peterson of Dublin
In 1874, just one year after receiving a prize medal for his efforts at the 1873 London International Exhibition, German émigré Frederick Kapp moved his pipe retail operation from London to Dublin, Ireland, where he opened a new tobacco and pipe shop, making and selling pipes crafted from meerschaum as well as briar root, a relatively new material to the market. Within a year, Frederick employed a young Latvian woodworker named Charles Peterson to help with production and repairs.
In 1890, after 15 years of handling and repairing multitudes of pipes, and thinking critically about how to improve their design, Peterson applied for and secured a patent in his own name, titled "A certain new and useful improvement in Tobacco-Pipes," introducing a unique system designed to wick moisture away from the smoke and deliver a fuller tobacco flavor – a design he would continue to improve over the next eight years. By 1896, after winning two gold medals at the International Tobacco Trades Exhibition in London for "Best Finished Pipe" and "Best Patent Pipe," Charles Peterson, together with Frederick's son Alfred Henry, had transformed the small pipe shop and smoking parlour into a budding international export factory, introducing the patented System pipe, as well as a host of other Classic designs, to the hands and minds of enthusiasts worldwide, where Kapp & Peterson has remained for generations.
As the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, the pipe makers at Peterson have a certain tradition to uphold, a legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 150 years. Whether you're browsing for your very first pipe or are a seasoned collector in search of a rare gem, know that every pipe in their catalogue carries with it that same preservation of tradition. A Peterson pipe isn't just a utilitarian tool; it's a piece of history you can carry with you in your travels, a faithful companion to accompany you through all that life offers.
