As we continue celebrating Peterson's 160th anniversary this year, I thought it would be not only applicable but interesting for our staff to share some of their favorite Peterson shapes and what they believe has made the Irish marque so venerated and timeless all these years. I asked some of my colleagues a few questions that they very thoughtfully answered, which I have included below. I hope you enjoy reading their responses.

Questions From The Survey

• What is your favorite Peterson shape (or shapes)? Why?
• What was the first Peterson shape you got and why did you pick that one?
• What makes Peterson distinctive, in your opinion?
• For a newcomer, what shapes from Peterson would you recommend?

Sykes Wilford

My favorite Peterson shape is the Junior Lovat. I'm answering this question differently from last time. The Junior series from Peterson has come to dominate my rotation of workday pipes in the past couple of years, and the Lovat is my favorite. I would say it's almost like Peterson designed a shape around my preferences, but actually it is that Peterson designed a shape around my preferences, given that I had a reasonably loud editorial voice in that process...

While I love lots of different pipes in the abstract and have a wildly varied personal collection, my routine rotation is almost exclusively small Billiards and Billiard variations. When thought of primarily as a tool, I think the Peterson Junior Lovat shape is the ultimate pipe for me: it's small enough to stick in my pocket comfortably, and it weighs almost nothing when I clench while driving, working, walking, or pretty much anything else.

I also still very much love my System 314 pipes and shapes like the 124 and the 406, but I have to pick the shape that I've smoked a dozen times this week (and it's only Wednesday at the time I'm answering).

My first Peterson pipe was a System 307 that was my father's, so I didn't actually pick it, though I love the pipe. I think my first Peterson that was intentional was a System 314.

For a newcomer, there's no wrong answer here, but I'd probably start with iconic Peterson shapes like the 303 or 314 or 317 in the System range. But I also think that newer pipe smokers tend to glance past highly practical, small, classic shapes, so the Junior line is also not a bad place to start.

If I had to pick one thing that makes Peterson distinctive, it would be Charles Peterson's genius for shaping at the turn of the 20th century, and a culture that has preserved the central ideas of that spirit since. Peterson's style is distinctive from the Anglo-French aesthetic tradition that emerged contemporaneously, and while those aesthetics cross-pollinated across decades, Peterson's remains very much distinctive and very much rooted in Charles Peterson's vision for the factory.

Kaz Walters

If we're talking about my favorite shape that Peterson has ever produced, it's the 04 Horn, but if you're looking for my favorite shape currently still in production, it's the 124 Dublin.

The 04 was a revival of an old patent shape, and I love it for its unusual, serpentine yet muscular silhouette. I collect them, but since they were only produced for a few years in the 1970s, they're rare finds. I have 4 (two smoked estates I purchased, one smoked estate that a friend gifted me, and one that was purchased as an unsmoked estate, but no longer remains so).

As for the 124, the lithe, almost delicate, and lengthy shaping paired with the tall, canted bowl is just cool. The different aesthetic elements evoke a mixture of the old clay Cutties and the long-stemmed Billiards from the 1950s and 1960s, popularized by Bing Crosby.

My first Peterson shape was the 03. I liked the full, but compact nature, and the specimen I picked up had a very graceful bend.

For someone new to Peterson, I would recommend simply selecting the shape that speaks to them. When picking out a pipe, aesthetics are the first consideration. Find the shapes that fit your vibe, then filter the options based on other criteria (weight, comfort in hand and/or teeth, chamber size, etc) until you arrive at the pipe that will best suit you.

I believe Peterson's shaping is what makes them most distinctive. Peterson shapes are almost all classics; however, their execution makes them unmistakably Peterson. They tend to go for a more muscular, hearty interpretation and, depending on the particular shape, have elements that evoke a Victorian vibe that you don't really see much of elsewhere.

Truett Smith

My favorite Peterson shape is the 317 bent Billiard, specifically the 12.5 Deluxe System version. I appreciate smaller pipes, and the 12.5 is small by Peterson standards while still retaining the marque's signature muscularity about the shank, transition, and lower bowl. Plus, the silver mount and iconic stem gap scream "Peterson" in the best way — all while still fitting well into a convenient size. To be honest, the 221 and 314 bent Billiards both fit the bill as well, but to me, the Deluxe System 12.5 is unmistakable.

The first pipe I ever purchased from an online retailer was actually a Peterson back in 2016: a Killarney 87 Apple. I followed it up soon after with either a Donegal Rocky 03 or a System Standard rusticated 303 — I honestly don't remember.

Personally, I would never recommend a specific shape to a new pipe smoker. Different chamber sizes may require slightly different packing techniques, but overall the difference is minimal. Instead, I would recommend that anyone interested in Peterson should go for a shape that captures their attention; any pipe shape that attracts you is going to get smoked more than one that was purchased based on some external recommendation.

If you want the full "Peterson" experience, any System pipe with a P-Lip is a great choice, though their unique engineering does require some special maintenance (see Andrew Wike's comprehensive article on that here). Many beginners may not be ready for that commitment, so I would suggest looking at Peterson's rusticated series (Donegal Rocky, Aran Rusticated, to name a couple): The marque's signature approach to rustication makes these pipes distinctive, while also being approachable from a budget perspective and able to hide years of wear and use.

Obviously, Peterson is well known for its System engineering and the iconic P-Lip, which make its pipes distinctive. However, for me, Peterson stands out for its history, tradition, and how the System engineering has developed a signature aesthetic of robust, stout shanks and muscular designs, not to mention impressive silverwork. This design language has evolved over decades, with Peterson offering a wide variety of styles to fit different preferences, yet the signature aesthetic has remained a trademark for over a century.

Moreover, the brand's identity is firmly rooted in its Irish origins. I think it's special that a pipe manufacturer as old as Peterson has become such a staple of Dublin and Ireland at large. The marque has done a great job over the years of staying true to its traditional identity while also adapting to an ever-changing market. Its pipes and overall style are cohesive and consistent, making for quality pipes that represent a long history and narrative.

Shane Ireland

Lately, I've come to really appreciate the 338 for being one of Peterson's most iconic, yet perhaps underrated models. It's the quintessential tubular and muscular aesthetic, and I also find it to be very practical as a smoker with its uniform chamber walls, "sweet spot" degree of bend, and overall size.

I'm also loving my 20S System Deluxe these days, again very much a signature Peterson take on the classic bent, but with more muscular proportions, and it's a perfect size for clenching.

My first Peterson was a System Standard Rusticated shape 303 and it was a recommendation from the gentlemen who worked at Racine and Laramie in San Diego, but Apples have persisted as a favorite nearly 20 years later.

I'd recommend a System Standard shape, modest in chamber capacity and lighter weight. 303 is a great place to start. If you would like more chamber depth, then 304 would be a great choice and is also a practical option as a sitter. The 305 is also iconic and very much middle-of-the-road in terms of size and capacity.

Apart from the design language that is simultaneously classic, recognizable, and singular, Peterson's quality of craftsmanship is what stands out to me. It's also always nice to feel like you're smoking a piece of history when you own a product made by a heritage brand, even if it was produced recently.

Andy Wike

My favorite Peterson shapes are the 317 and 314 in the System line (the 12.5 and the 20s in the Deluxe System range). I've always been partial to Peterson's patented System engineering, and those two shapes offer the perfect balance of old-school aesthetics and a more modest chamber size. I tend to prefer pipes that weigh 40g or less, but Peterson's System shape chart, in general, trends toward larger bowls; the 317 and 314 both fit in that Goldilocks zone for me — maintaining the same System patents and early 20th century shaping as even the largest Peterson pipe, but in a more pocketable, easy-to-clench format.

Unsurprisingly, my first Peterson shape was a System Spigot 314. I quite liked the shape, being a bent Billiard with a more rounded bowl, but the silverwork was just exceptional; I was also fortunate enough to find a Natural, so the grain is top notch and it's patinated beautifully over the years. In retrospect, I sometimes wish I would've started with a Deluxe System, as it's truer to Charles Peterson's original Patent Pipe, but it's hard to argue with all that silver.

I'll never stop recommending Peterson's System pipe to newcomers. If you're fairly new to the hobby, I often suggest looking at the System Standard line, which is Peterson's entry-level series within the range. It features all of Charles Peterson's patented improvements, but with nickel army mounts and acrylic stems — which is convenient if you don't want to spend a lot of time maintaining your new pipe. The System Standard line also encompasses a wide variety of shapes, so you can choose whichever design suits your needs and preferences while still benefiting from the System's engineering improvements.

If you're really interested in the brand, however, consider a Deluxe System pipe in your preferred shape. Out of all the regular-production series Peterson produces, the Deluxe System is the closest pipe to Charles Peterson's original patent pipes — featuring all of the same improvements as the regular System line, but with the addition of a wear-gap military mount (typically in silver) and a chimney, which extends the tenon further into the moisture reservoir and improves its functionality.

Aside from those recommendations, I do generally advise folks to select a System pipe with a P-Lip stem. Although Charles Peterson's patented bit design can be controversial, the P-Lip is integral to the System working as Charles Peterson intended, and once you get used to it, it's quite comfortable to smoke.

Peterson pipes — particularly those within the System range — are distinctive for a number of reasons. They all feature Charles Peterson's highly functional engineering improvements, which were created for pipe smokers by a pipe smoker. These improvements include the patented moisture reservoir, designed to collect excess moisture outside the chamber and draft hole; the graduated bore mouthpiece, which tapers from a 5mm opening at the tenon to 1.5mm at the button; and the often polarizing P-Lip bit, which funnels the smoke across the entire palate, rather than just the tip of the tongue.

Aside from these patented engineering improvements, Peterson also has such a recognizable house style; their pipes are typically more muscular than their Anglo-French counterparts and Jason's silversmithing is world-class.

Beyond these aesthetic and functional elements, there's also the history of the marque itself. Celebrating its 160th Anniversary this year, Peterson remains the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, and the marque consistently leans on that history for new releases and new innovations, bridging the historic with the modern. It's just really fun to look through old catalogs and see how the shapes have evolved and how the marque has maintained their iconic house style for 160 years.

Chuck Stanion

My favorite shape is the Peterson Mark Twain. I was intrigued to smoke the same shape that the author so enjoyed because I'm a fan, and now I'm a fan of both the author and the pipe. My first Peterson was a Mark Twain, and I have many good memories of smoking it in various smoke shops, where the pipe and its history could always be a topic of conversation. I also like the 312, especially to smoke while writing, because it's so light you can forget it's in your mouth. Another favorite is an old 20s with an original bone tenon extension. It just hangs like it wasn't there and performs brilliantly.

I'd recommend starting with any Peterson shape and finish that resonates with the user. We all know what we like, and Peterson will provide a rewarding experience. The non-System pipes are great, but I tend to gravitate to the System. It's been unbeaten for over 100 years because it works.

The Peterson System works for me because I use both hands when writing, so it's necessary to perch a pipe in my teeth, which is tiring with the straight shapes I tend to prefer. My Mark Twain is a constant companion. Its bowl is large, though even so, my tobacco seems to disappear more quickly than I expect. It balances effortlessly in the teeth, and no pipe cleaners are required mid-smoke when I don't want to be distracted by pipe maintenance. The smoke distribution across the palate is especially rewarding, though I didn't understand that until I learned to tuck my tongue under the button, as one should. For smoking while accomplishing any activity, like writing or fishing, for example, System pipes are remarkable.

Chris Herath

My favorite shape is the Peterson 20s. I've always felt, if you're going to smoke a Peterson, it might as well be a P-Lip System pipe. The 20s is my travel pipe because it's small enough for short smokes while on a trip. The System design also allows me to smoke it back to back so I don't need to travel with a second pipe. I know this is controversial, but I also like the acrylic stem on this pipe; it requires very little maintenance. The 20s was also my first, and it's still my favorite.

For someone new to Peterson, I think it's important to try a P-Lip System pipe to really see what makes Peterson unique.

I've been fortunate enough to travel to the Peterson factory a few times and film the making of the pipes. For me, what makes Peterson distinctive are the people behind the pipes. These are men and women who love the craft of making Peterson pipes and who day in and day out work hard to make sure it endures. I love the pipes, and the Irish heritage, but to me it's the people who make it special.

Rose Kiser

The 304 is a personal favorite due to its design to be clenched as well as a sitter without a pipe rest. I enjoy being able to set my pipe down and have it stay right-side up without any pipe rest or ashtray for support.

I believe my first Peterson pipe was a 106. I'm a sucker for a simple and clean Billiard. I find the 106 to be well balanced with a satisfying bowl size and a good hand feel.

As for recommendations, I would say the 69, 264, 106, and 701 are some favorites but really the best Peterson for a newcomer is the one that calls out to them.

Every design at Peterson just has such a legacy behind it. They aren't just made because it's what's expected. The designs are thought out with quality of life features that we can take for granted.

Glen Whelan

My favorite shape is the 264. I love the lines. It's lightweight, slender, and is my go-to shape for any type of tobacco. Coupling the shape with a P-Lip stem is pipe perfection for me.

My first Peterson pipe was a 314 Standard System. This was the starter pipe we always recommended at the Peterson store to new smokers, so I felt it only appropriate to fully understand why.

I would recommend a 314 System! I said it for 13 years straight while working at the retail store.

Peterson has a long, storied history, and the fact that we are continuously making history makes Peterson stand out from any other factory pipe brand. The shape chart is very classical but the shapes are so very obviously Peterson shapes. The continuous evolution of methods whilst retaining the Patent designs will protect the Peterson legacy long into the future.

Peterson is so beloved for many reasons, as is clear from just a few of our employee's accounts. I'd love to hear your favorite Peterson shapes in the comments and what has drawn you to the iconic Irish marque. Join us as we continue celebrating Peterson's 160th anniversary this year with more exciting releases to come.