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Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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?
Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Peterson: Junior

Peterson Junior

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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).

Peterson: (124)

Peterson (124)

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Donegal Rocky (03)

Donegal Rocky (03)

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Deluxe System (20s)

Deluxe System (20s)

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Deluxe System (20s)

System Spigot (314)

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Peterson: Army Filter Sandblasted (221) Fishtail (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

Peterson: Pipe of the Year 2022

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Deluxe System (20s)

Deluxe System (20s)

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Peterson (106)

Peterson (106)

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

Employee Spotlight: Favorite Peterson Shapes | Daily Reader

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.

Peterson (264)

Peterson (264)

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.

Category:   Pipe Line
Tagged in:   Peterson Pipe Culture

Comments

  • Lori Gregor on November 11, 2022

    Wonderful article Davin. Enjoy this incredible day!Lori - Low Country Pipe & Cigar

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  • Rick Newcombe on November 13, 2022

    This was a really interesting article. I love Peterson pipes and am happy to see that the company continues to show innovations. There are about a half dozen Peterson shapes that are my favorites. It all depends on my mood at the time.

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  • Patrick Blessing on November 13, 2022

    I really enjoyed reading this article. Of course, it quickly renewed my desire for a Peterson Mark Twain pipe. Just when I thought my mind and palate were satisfied with the pipes I already have!

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  • Robert Silverman on November 13, 2022

    There are times that I am "taken" with a Peterson, but it has the "wrong" mouthpiece for me. Now there may be engineering issues involved, but otherwise, I don't understand why buyers shouldn't be able to order either a "fish" or "p-lip" mouthpiece, depending on their smoking preference. Or, if not this, the ability to order an alternative mouthpiece when purchasing a pipe with a mouthpiece that is not what they desire.

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  • John H. Schantz Jr. on November 13, 2022

    I have many Peterson pipes, and I tend towards the smaller bents like the 03/303, 12.5, 20s, 221, and the older smaller 53 Lovat for shorter, handier smokes. I would say that my Premier 312 and my Rua XL02 are by far my best smokers for the “long haul”.

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  • Bill Wright on November 13, 2022

    During my earlier pipesmoking days (in the last century...don't ask), I did have several Peterson models, all P-tip. Bluntly, they didn't get a lot of tobacco-time...I was heavily into Savinelli and GBD at the time, plus my jaw and the P-tip were no good friends. In my elder years, and as a result of this article, will take a look at the Peterson line again. Their Fishtail stems negate the P-tip issue...and some of the shapes...yeah, look good...From NYC...

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  • Gabby Hayes on November 13, 2022

    Peterson pipes are my favorite brand and I have more of them than any other brand. Their quality is readily apparent when you place one in your hand. I have several P-lips but prefer the fish tails for the ease of the clench. My two best smokers are the Killarney XL02 Bent Apples.

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  • Astrocomical on November 14, 2022

    You need to bring back the straight grain type of pipes, the silvercaps, the 305, 315 in ebony and Walnut grained properly shaped with a flare and narrow bell body and the bigger flared spigot on them. You use to have beautiful Peterson pipes a while back like the Walnut Spigot 107, the Walnut Tankard spigot, etc., but now you got all these ughly ones that look chewed up and those ugh dark pipes are the most undesirable color.

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  • P C W M on November 14, 2022

    What Robert Silverman said...Blll Wright: The P-Lip negates the fishtail issues for those who prefer them.ALL Petersons should have the P-Lip option.

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  • Jeff Wallach on November 14, 2022

    I am fairly new to the Peterson line, but favor the XL02 series...have the Jekyll & Hyde XL02, Tyrone XL02, and the Killarney Red XL02....easy to clench, and just a good 'feel' in the hand with the robust bent shape.

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  • Carl Huffman on November 14, 2022

    I agree with those commenting on the p-lip. I have three Peterson's and would probably own a few more. Two of mine have the p-lip, and I do not smoke them as often as one might think. One is a 264, and the other is a 304. The fish tail is a 53. Guess which one is smoked most often. I would love to see the mouthpiece be a choice for the buyer. By the way, I own and smoke 14 Savinellis. Nothing but fish tails there.

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  • Bob Cuccaro /TLIP on November 14, 2022

    Great article! I am fortunate enough to have favorite pipes for different occasions. D18 for cool fall day for flakes, the POTYs are always in rotation, so I am a sucker for the rare B shapes. The recent POTY twain in various finishes has been in constant rotation :)

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  • Phil Yearout on November 14, 2022

    Interesting takes here. I love each of my 25 Petersons which range from a deeply bent Mark Twain to a straight billiard 106, with the slight bends in between being my favorites. But I own none with fishtails; to me a Peterson without a p-lip just isn't a Peterson, and the only two I ever acquired with fishtails went back to have a "proper" mouthpiece fitted!

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  • Lee Brown on November 17, 2022

    I totally agree with Phil Yearout. Why buy a Peterson without a p-lip? I have a few Petersons and they are all have the p-lip. As to my favorite Peterson: 606s with a p-lip saddle stem.

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  • Day S on December 1, 2022

    Just received my first Peterson (Aran Smooth Nickel Mounted (80s) P-Lip) and the difference in quality and functionality was immediately evident. I am very pleased with my new pipe and I know this is the start of many more to come in my Peterson collection.

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  • Brian Dawkins on January 1, 2023

    I have quite a number of Peterson pipes. I have no problem with p lips, and in fact prefer them. Shapes in order of preference the 305, I have 2, the 302, and the 317. The 302 is a filter pipe with a fish tail and it’s really a coin flip between that and the system pipe 317.

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  • Very old man on May 4, 2023

    I don't own a peterson as my budget won't allow for them. I have several clones and love all of them. I just got a clone from Germany and it is my current favorite. I'm on SS so I can only afford the cheap copies. I've been trying to save up to get an actual Peterson but something alwas seems to come up that gobbles up my savings. Still I intend to keep trying because I really want one. I was trying to save for that Watson estate pipe but when it went off sale I could not afford to get it.

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  • James J. on June 22, 2025

    Great article, thank you for writing it.
    I’m with Kaz, the 124 is my favorite. It just suits my tobacco choices. I smoke mainly Virginia Perique blends and the small but tall chamber allows for a really nice smoke.

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  • Ralph I. on June 22, 2025

    "actually it is that Peterson designed a shape around my preferences"
    Sykes, please keep it up for those of us who like, and need, small pipes!

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