Peterson: System Standard Heritage (309) P-Lip Tobacco Pipe

The "309," or the "4S" as its known in the Deluxe System range, first appeared in Peterson's 1896 catalog, where it was listed as one of eight straight-sided Billiards. It is one of the original shapes that defined the System series, and it enjoys a special place in Peterson's illustrious history — being not only the the shape smoked by Basil Rathbone in the last 10 of his Sherlock Holmes films with Universal, but also the shape smoked by Peterson's iconic Thinking Man. Furthermore, the "309" helped solidify Peterson's robust and muscular shaping aesthetic and is one of the marque's largest bent Billiard designs within the System series. It's defined by its tall, tubular bowl, tight-knit transition, and generously bent shank-and-stem arrangement, cutting a substantial and unmistakable silhouette.

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 the dark Heritage stain, offering a tasteful balance between grain definition and the finish's rustic hue. 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.