Irish Estates: Peterson Supreme System Smooth (4S) (P-Lip) (1982) (Unsmoked) Tobacco Pipe

In the Deluxe and Supreme System series, Peterson's System shapes receive different number designations, the "309" here becoming "4s." Stylistically, it resembles the "338" and "313" designs, with a tall, tubular bowl and equally robust, cylindrical shank. Such a shaping style has become synonymous with the Irish marque, and this "4s" personifies that signature style. One of the largest bent Billiard designs within the System series, Peterson's "4s" does an exceptional job at showcasing the marque's robust and muscular approach to shaping, especially in the proportions of its shank and transition. It bears the same tubular stummel as the Irish workshop's historic "4AB," and the stout insulating walls of the bowl fill the hand effortlessly, while the generously bent stem still allows it to be comfortably clenched. Its staunch, substantial disposition coupled with the Irish firm's patented System engineering results in a bold take on the shape-chart standard and one that's unmistakably the signature work of one of pipedom's most respected and legendary companies.

Peterson's System pipe is one of the Irish marque's most celebrated and historic innovations, boasting patents dating back to 1890. The System comprises three aspects: an army mount, internal condensation reservoir, and the graduated bore P-Lip mouthpiece (though Peterson does offer fishtail versions to accommodate smokers' preferences). Being the only externally visible of the three components, the military mount allows the pipe to be broken down even while hot, reinforcing the shank. The other two parts, the internal reservoir and graduated bore, are found within the pipe itself — both working in tandem to remove moisture from the smoke. Such a construction requires a slightly different process when cleaning a System pipe, and results in a more flavorful, drier smoke. The Supreme marks the highest tier of Peterson's System pipe, followed by the Deluxe and Standard System pipes, respectively. Like the Deluxe, Supreme System pipes feature sterling silver mounts — Peterson's silverwork being a significant source of pride and renown for the Sallynoggin factory. Boasting the finest quality briar, the Supreme System also benefits from space-fitting stems, evocative of old-school System pipes. This aspect, while never patented, is a prominent Peterson innovation; these stems were "never intended to go quite home," the space between the mount and stem base gradually decreasing with prolonged use. Furthermore, the Supreme System showcases Peterson's "chimney": an aluminum fitment that extends the tenon past the chamber's airway for optimal System performance. This particular piece is presented here in a natural stain to showcase the briar's stunning grain pattern. The System series, and especially the Supreme and Deluxe Systems, is a testament to Peterson's influence on the pipe industry at large, and its continued popularity over the past 100-plus years bespeaks the company's reputation for quality.