Irish Estates: Peterson Premier System Sandblasted (313) (P-Lip) Tobacco Pipe

The "313" bent Billiard is a staple within the System series, dating back to Peterson's first catalog in 1896, and outside the System line, the design is designated as the "338." The Irish marque's iconic shaping style is often described as "tubular" and muscular, and the "313" does well to exemplify this convention. The bowl rises tall and upright, posing a cylindrical, tube-like disposition, while the shank and transition retain the aforementioned hearty and robust proportions. That said, the overall length remains quite compact, and the sinuous bend provides a comfortable clenching posture — the gesture of the stem and curling heel calling to mind the profile of the iconic "05" shape but without the bowl's flare at the rim.

Peterson's System pipe is one of the Irish marque's most celebrated and historic innovations, boasting patents dating back to 1890. The System is comprised of 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. A step up from the System Standard line, the Premier trades the former's nickel mount for one of sterling silver — Peterson's silverwork being a significant source of pride and renown for the Sallynoggin factory. Featuring select-grade briar, the Premier System is presented here in a walnut-stained sandblast for a concise show of textured grain. The System series 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.