System Standard Heritage (317) P-Lip Tobacco Pipe

Alongside the "314," Peterson's "317" bent Billiard presents one of the Irish marque's most compact pipes within their System lineup. The proportions of the shank and transition still showcase Peterson's penchant for robust muscularity, but the overall size remains conveniently smaller compared to their other bent Billiard renditions, making the "317" an ideal choice for those interested in Peterson's signature shaping style and patented System engineering, but who prefer briars of more pocket-friendly sensibilities.

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.

Note: While most of our other pipes are photographed individually, these are not, and you may expect some reasonable cosmetic variation between the example we've photographed and the pipe you've received.