Peterson: Supreme System Sandblasted (B42) P-Lip Tobacco Pipe

In 2009, Peterson released the Darwin "B42" shape in commemoration of the sesquicentennial of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species. The English naturalist's seminal work was published in 1859, just 17 years before another Charles would join Fredrick Kapp in founding the longest-standing pipe manufacturer in the world: Kapp & Peterson. The "B42" is a robust bent Apple, displaying an Author-like substance through the shank and transition that exemplifies Peterson's signature aesthetic — a perfect homage, to both Charles Darwin and Charles Peterson himself.

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. The Deluxe stamp first appeared on System pipes in 1940, but the design itself dates to Peterson's earliest years, with examples found in the 1896 and 1906 catalogs. With the exception of the extremely rare Supreme, it has always marked the highest tier of System pipe. Unlike the System Standard line, Deluxe System pipes feature sterling silver mounts — Peterson's silverwork being a significant source of pride and renown for the Sallynoggin factory. Boasting select-grade briar, the Deluxe 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 Deluxe 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 virgin-finished sandblast, offering plenty of stimulating texture and showcasing the briar's natural grain pattern. The System series, and especially the Deluxe System, 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.

When fashioning new pipes, Peterson separates stummels into various grades, differentiating between degrees of quality and grain orientation. For decades, the Supreme grade reigned, well, supreme, being the pinnacle of Peterson's production. However, throughout the '00s, the prestigious designation began to fall out of use. That all changed, though, in 2019 with Peterson resurrecting the superlative Supreme stamp, followed by the A+ and A grades, respectively. Out of 2,000 stummels, only one will be of Supreme quality and perfection, making the line truly the best, most exclusive offering from the Irish firm. Showcasing Peterson's updated, artisan-style sandblasting setup, this piece reveals a stunning array of sandblasted grain — the briar left unstained to allow for full, natural appreciation and promote a patina as it's smoked. Further commended by a band of sterling silver representing Peterson's esteemed metalwork, this piece joins the ranks of Peterson's best pipes, bar none.