Peterson: System Standard Heritage (XL315) P-Lip Tobacco Pipe

The "XL315" Calabash is the largest rendition of the "05" design — perhaps the most iconic of all Peterson shapes. It features a bowl flaring trumpet-like at the rim, a high transition to the shank, and a shank that is wide, muscular, and substantial in hand. Its wide base and smooth curvature, along with its easy-to-grasp, cinched waistline, have been prominent features admired by generations of smokers. Among Peterson's oldest and most popular shapes, the "XL315" epitomizes the Peterson design aesthetic, especially with the added benefit of the Irish marque's patented System engineering.

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 System Standard line features a sturdy nickel army mount and is presented here in a dark, walnut stain, offering a tasteful balance between grain definition and the finish's rustic hue, not unlike that of Peterson's Ashford finish. 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.