Description
The Peterson Oxblood Sherlock Holmes Tobacco Jar is a refined desktop accessory that reflects the heritage and craftsmanship of the renowned Irish marque, Peterson of Dublin. Designed as part of the brand’s Sherlock Holmes series, this jar combines practical tobacco storage with a distinctive literary-inspired aesthetic.
Visually, the jar stands out through its rich oxblood leather exterior, a deep red tone that evokes classic study-room elegance. The body is formed into a subtle hexagonal shape, giving it a structured, architectural presence that differs from traditional round jars. This panelled design not only enhances grip but also contributes to its sophisticated, display-worthy character.
One of the most striking features is the lid, crowned with a metal handle depicting Sherlock Holmes as portrayed by Basil Rathbone. The figure is shown contemplatively smoking a pipe, reinforcing the connection between Peterson’s iconic shapes and the enduring image of Holmes as the quintessential pipe smoker.
Functionally, the jar is lined with a hardened elastomer interior, intended to create an air-tight environment that helps preserve tobacco freshness. It typically holds around 2–3 ounces of tobacco, making it ideal for daily use rather than long-term cellaring. The leather wrap also provides protection from light exposure, an important factor in maintaining tobacco quality. While compact in size, the Peterson Oxblood Sherlock Holmes Tobacco Jar succeeds as both a practical storage solution and a decorative piece. It appeals particularly to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the intersection of pipe culture, literary history, and timeless design.
Size: 130mm x 80mm x 80mm, 154g. Will easily hold an entire 50g tin of pipe tobacco. Comes in a branded Peterson presentation box.
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.
