The Complete Guide To The Peterson System Pipe: Startling Revelations About Charles Peterson's Greatest Invention

The oldest continuously operating pipe factory in the world, Peterson produces some of the most recognizable and iconic pipes on the market. They've been featured in exhibitions, films, and television shows for the past century; many famous writers, artists, and inventors smoked a Peterson pipe, including Mark Twain, whose love for his System pipe is still perhaps unparalleled to this day. Even those uninvolved in our hobby likely think of a Peterson when asked to imagine a pipe. Yet few recognize that the marque's iconic aesthetic is largely informed by the functional design of their most important contribution to the history of pipemaking: the System Pipe.
Love it or hate it, the System isn't just a novelty offered by Peterson; it is the Peterson pipe. Its engineering and overall design are intertwined with the marque's foundation and raison d'être. They're the invisible source behind Peterson's unique Irish aesthetic — its muscular shank and transition, tubular profile, and generous bend. The marque's overall shaping style has a distinctly antique form because it has remained largely unchanged for over 120 years.
Despite the System's historical significance and popularity, many remain unimpressed by Peterson's most important innovation. Until recently, I counted myself among the naysayers. It wasn't until I read Mark Irwin's and Gary Malmberg's extraordinary new book, The Peterson Pipe: The Story of Kapp & Peterson, that my own thoughts on the System pipe evolved. As it turns out, I'd either taken for granted or misunderstood nearly everything about the System's design and intention. It was clear that a broader understanding of the System pipe, from its history and composition, to its functionality and maintenance, is essential to achieving the design's full capabilities.

Charles Peterson & the System Pipe's Practical Origins
To understand Peterson's System and how it was intended to work, we need some context, in particular regarding its creator, Charles Peterson.
In 1874, Frederick Kapp opened a tobacco and pipe shop in Dublin; within a year a young Latvian woodworker named Charles Peterson was employed there. During his first years with the Kapps, Peterson made and repaired briar and meerschaum pipes, thinking critically about how to improve their design. In 1890, after 15 years of handling and repairing multitudes of pipes, Charles secured a patent in his own name, titled "A certain new and useful improvement in Tobacco-Pipes," introducing a unique system comprised of a higher draft hole and a moisture reservoir bored into the shank and transition of a briar pipe. Over the next eight years, Charles continued to refine his System, applying for and securing patents for a graduated bore mouthpiece (1891), and a unique button design known today as the P-Lip (1894-1898).
Don't worry too much about the dates. While important for demonstrating the timelessness of the Peterson pipe, what's more interesting than dates is the intention behind the System pipe's innovation. It's how Charles Peterson approached his invention — as a practical pipesmoker, rather than a theorist. When considered in combination, Peterson's series of patents are remarkably intuitive. Unlike novelty pipes of the time, and even those appearing many years later, Peterson's System involved zero fancy gadgets and superfluous materials. It's a simple design that relies on physics and a pipesmoker's natural habits. In The Peterson Pipe, Mark Irwin states, "No doubt the Peterson System did survive for all these decades because the design worked as advertised." And that's it. Created by a practical pipesmoker with 15 years of experience repairing and improving pipes, the System simply worked, and has continued to work for over 120 years.

What is the System? A Closer Look at the Patents
Charles Peterson's System pipe is comprised of three parts: An army mount, an internal reservoir to collect moisture from the smoke (patented 1890), and the graduated bore P-Lip mouthpiece (patented 1894 and 1898).
The Army Mount
While not exclusive to Peterson, the army or military mount is an essential feature of a System pipe. For those unfamiliar, an army mount reinforces the mortise, traditionally one of the weakest points of a pipe, with a metal band or cap, which prevents the wood from expanding, warping, or even cracking with expansion from moisture or temperature. An army mount is typically paired with a tapered, or "push-style" tenon, which reduces the surface area in contact with the mortise and thus the amount of grip. The combination of army mount and push-style tenon permits the disassembly and cleaning of pipes at any time, even during a smoke, without risking damage to the mortise.

The System Drilling
The internal drilling of a System pipe, represented by Charles Peterson's original patent in 1890, is perhaps the most iconic and well-known of all System features. It's also perhaps one of the most misunderstood. Though a common misconception, Peterson's System bore was never designed to collect saliva; its function is entirely dedicated to cooling and wicking moisture away from the smoke. This is achieved in a two-part design. The draft hole is drilled higher than you might typically expect, allowing for a vast condensation chamber beneath. The smoke, then, travels through the draft hole and collects in the moisture reservoir before ever entering the stem. Peterson's System pipes are inherently stout and muscular, particularly around the shank and transition, because that extra material is necessary to house the higher draft hole and condensation chamber. What's more, the overall design of the two-part System drilling has remained unchanged since its initial patent in 1890, meaning that even current production Petersons honor the tradition and innovation of Charles' original model.

The P-Lip Mouthpiece
Of all the features that comprise a System pipe, the P-Lip bit is perhaps the most polarizing. Many lifetime Peterson enthusiasts swear by it; others spend hours on the forums advocating its abolishment. Mark Irwin suggests that this divisiveness among modern pipesmokers is a product of a misunderstanding of its history, function, and overall purpose.
Indeed, while you will find System pipes with fishtail bits, the now iconic P-Lip mouthpiece is integral to Charles Peterson's original System design. The graduated bore mouthpiece and P-Lip button were two of Charles' last System patents, final amendments to his original System design and crucial to its function.
Graduated Bore
The unsung hero of the true System stem, Peterson's graduated bore mouthpiece tapers from a 5mm opening at the tenon to 1.5mm at the P-Lip button. So what does it do? According to a 1987 Peterson ad, "the unique graduated bore of the mouthpiece made the suction 15 times weaker when it reached the tobacco chamber. So all the bitter tars and moisture float into the reservoir and could never reach the mouth." Again relying on physics and a pipesmokers natural habits, this 1894 patent is simple yet effective, essentially slowing the speed of the smoke as it leaves the tobacco chamber and allowing it to pool in the condensation chamber before entering the stem. Without this invisible, yet critical, feature, the System drilling simply wouldn't work as proficiently.

P-Lip Button
In Charles Peterson's original System patents, the button was similar to other designs of the time, featuring a small aperture directly centered at the end of a thick and rounded bit. While the rest of the System still worked efficiently — thanks to the graduated bore mouthpiece, moisture reservoir, and army mount — Charles still saw opportunities for improvement, so he continued to innovate, altering the appearance and engineering of the button to work more seamlessly with the rest of the System design. By the time he secured his last System patent in 1898, Charles' System mouthpiece featured a half dome-shaped button with a 1.55mm aperture positioned at an upward angle along the top of the bit, rather than directly centered at the end. It was a curiously shaped bit for the time, and still is to this day, yet its design was meant to serve a three-fold function.
By repositioning the 1.5mm opening to the top of the stem, Charles created a simple yet effective solution to a concern that plagues pipesmokers to this day: Tongue bite. The angled aperture draws the smoke upward toward the roof of the mouth, effectively preventing the tongue from coming into direct contact with the smoke. Moreover, Charles believed that the smaller, angled opening of the P-Lip helped disperse the smoke and its flavor across the entire tongue. There are thousands of taste buds spread across the palate, and many find that a P-Lip bit does provide a more accurate perception of the tobacco's flavor. Lastly, the P-Lip's actual shape, as curious as it may seem, was designed first and foremost for comfort. The half-dome shape of the button offers a natural place for the tongue to rest when smoking, especially when clenching.

Maintaining its unique appearance and design for over 120 years, the P-Lip is remarkably old-school and a critical part of the timeless aesthetic of Peterson pipes. But, as I mentioned before, it is also perhaps the most polarizing of all Charles Peterson's System patents. Given how different it is from all other mouthpieces created in the last 100+ years (excepting the myriad P-Lip facsimiles from other makers and marques), that divisiveness is not surprising. In fact, I used to denounce the P-Lip any chance I could get. Of course, that all changed once I learned how to properly smoke and maintain my System pipes.
How to Smoke & Clean a Peterson System Pipe
For those who have tried and dismissed the System pipe, it's possible you either weren't smoking or cleaning it properly. No judgements, there. Before I read Mark Irwin's book, I too improperly smoked my Peterson System pipes.
Take the P-Lip bit, for example. As I mentioned earlier, I loathed them. I found P-Lips to be awkward and uncomfortable in the mouth, and could never understand their appeal or usefulness in combating tongue bite. After learning that the P-Lip bit is actually designed to rest atop the tongue, however, I immediately began to experience a fuller flavor profile from any blend I threw at it. I won't lie: It seemed odd at first, especially since I was so accustomed to the thin fishtail bits of high end artisan pipes, but after a while, tucking my tongue beneath the button became natural.
No doubt the Peterson System did survive for all these decades because the design worked as advertised.
Perhaps even more important than those realizations is understanding how to properly clean and maintain a System pipe. If you've been smoking, ashing, and cleaning your System pipe the same way you'd clean your Dunhill or artisan briar, your experiences probably haven't been great. I can empathize. After finishing a bowl in my Peterson, I used to turn it upside down and ash out the dottle. What I didn't realize is that by doing that immediately after or during a smoke, I was actually draining the moisture collected in the reservoir directly into the tobacco chamber. When I went to relight or smoke another bowl later, the flavor was acrid and repellant; I thought my System was faulty.

Don't be like me; here are some tips to help optimize your System pipe:
- Shortly after a smoke, remove the stem from the army mount. Don't worry about the pipe being hot; with the military mount, you needn't worry about mortise warping or cracks.
- Wick out the moisture reservoir and inside of the shank before dumping the ash. Mark Irwin recommends taking a bit of tissue, twisting it, and inserting it into the shank until it fully engages with the well. He also recommends doing this while the pipe is still hot, as the moisture flows better. You can even tilt the pipe up, with the shank facing the floor, to further drain the well. Once the tissue is in place, it's fine to dump the ash from your bowl.
- After drying the moisture well and emptying the ash, fold a fluffy pipe cleaner and swab out the reservoir, then use a bristled pipe cleaner to scrub the walls of the shank. Then run a tapered pipe cleaner through the stem. The tapered end should fit nicely into the P-Lip's aperture, while the broader end will work better for the larger opening at the base of the stem.
- Once everything is swabbed and cleaned, fight the urge to reassemble the pipe. A Peterson pipe should rest with the stem detached from the bowl, as it allows everything to dry out nicely. It's best to let it rest apart at least overnight. This is a hard one for most pipe smokers because it counters how we maintain most pipes. But again with the military mount, you don't have to worry about mortise damage.
- Finally, every once in a while, it's good to clean out the moisture well and shank with Everclear or your favorite spirit. If you're familiar with the salt solution method, that works wonders too in keeping a System pipe tasting clean.
At this point, you're likely thinking, "Man, System pipes are kinda high maintenance." And you're not wrong. They require upkeep, but they're also the most durable and reliable designs on the market, if taken care of. In fact, many pipesmokers have found that maintaining their System pipes has become a calming and enjoyable routine. As Mark states in his book, "... hobbyists who are also sportsmen, do-it-yourselfers or have a military background will find caring for their pipes, like caring for the tools and gear in other areas of their lives, only adds to their enjoyment." Think of your Peterson System pipe as a field tool: It can endure extreme use in extreme conditions, but that doesn't mean you can neglect it.

Who is the System Pipe for? Appeal to Beginners & Experts Alike
If properly smoked and maintained, a System pipe is an excellent choice for new pipesmokers. Many people have taken up pipesmoking and quickly abandoned the hobby after first experiencing tongue bite or tasting acrid condensation. With a System pipe, a new pipesmoker needn't worry about those things and can simply concentrate on honing their cadence, discovering their preferred tobaccos, and enjoying the calm serenity of drawing one puff after the other. The System, though requiring a modified maintenance routine from other designs, is extremely forgiving. It's meant to be a life-long friend and companion.
... hobbyists who are also sportsmen, do-it-yourselfers or have a military background will find caring for their pipes, like caring for the tools and gear in other areas of their lives, only adds to their enjoyment.
For experienced pipesmokers, the System is a great choice because of its aspirational scale. One of the most intriguing aspects of artisanal pipes is their aesthetics, like stunning grain, bright finishes, and featured adornments such as precious metal accents. Peterson's System not only offers aspirational tiers, but is manufactured by a team that draws from over 125 years of experience and tradition. Peterson's silversmiths, for example, are renowned around the world for their hands-on approach, and the marque's high-end finishes are top-notch. For those who enjoy collecting, Peterson offers a variety of upgrades to choose from, including silver rim guards and gold spigots, as well as dazzling grain in lines like the System De Luxe.
Get to Know your Peterson System & De Luxe System Shapes
Now that you understand a little more about the System's history, how it works, and how best to maintain it, you might want to take a closer look at some of the shapes available in the line. The System's great and all, but it's also important to find a shape that best fits your tastes and lifestyle. Luckily, Peterson's System line is comprehensive. From classics like the Apple and Billiard to signatures like the "Bell" Calabash, the System spans a variety of shapes and sizes. Check out this shape chart for a glance at the range of shapes available.
If you've not considered a System pipe for a while, The Peterson Pipe by Irwin and Malmberg may reinvigorate your interest. It did mine. I learned that I'd been improperly cleaning and smoking my System pipes. The change since I've started using these pipes properly is dramatic, and if you're of a similar mindset, perhaps you'd find it beneficial to try again, with Charles Peterson-approved techniques, to discover whole new smoking experiences you may not have known were inherently available in the Peterson pipes you've let rest too long.
The Peterson Pipe, The Story of Kapp & Peterson
If you're interested in learning more about the System pipe or Peterson's history, you won't find a better resource than Mark Irwin's and Gary Malmberg's latest book, The Peterson Pipe, The Story of Kapp & Peterson. Carefully crafted over eight years, and relying on a lifetime of research, The Peterson Pipe is a masterpiece. I've written and thought about Peterson pipes for five years, yet all that collected knowledge is insignificant (and sometimes just plain wrong) compared to what Mark and Gary have compiled. Flipping through the beautifully illustrated pages, I honestly felt like a total noob. Mark and Gary brought me back to my first pipe club meetings and showed me a world I'd never even imagined. And they did so in a way that was neither patronizing nor demoralizing. Like an old mentor, they walked me step by step through Peterson's legacy, from early histories to detailed how-to's, always with an encouraging hand.
And for that, I'd like to just take a moment and thank Mark and Gary for their tremendous effort here, and for letting us summarize, paraphrase, and directly quote from this excellent resource. They've set the story straight and hopefully opened all of our eyes to the unique tradition, quality, and character behind the oldest continuously operating pipe factory in the world. For that, they have our undying gratitude. All the information for this post was pulled directly from The Peterson Pipe; combined with Mark's well-regarded Peterson Pipe Notes blog, it's the only Peterson resource we'll ever need.
Comments
lovely article.Now that the SP crowd have taken over Petes why not consider bringing back the beautifull and cheap Pete clays and cherywoods.Not to mention their gorgeous morta pipes.Just a suggestion.
Peterson Pipes have been with me from the beginning (now 28 years as a pipe smoker). Two of my father’s pipes were Petes (that I still have today), and they are the one make that I never completely leave. They are the one make that, as a collector, I have this on again off again relationship, much like that girlfriend that you were friends with first, then over time you realize your in love with your best friend, and you marry her. Over the years I’ve bought, sold, and traded many a Pete, and right now I’m having this reignited romance with the system deluxe pipes. It will carry on a while until I get distracted by some other artisan that strikes my fancy. But I will always come back to my Petes. They’ve never been too far away, and there are some that I will never part with. Peterson pipes have so much sentimental value to me. From my Dad’s pipes to the anniversary present I receive each year on St. Patrick’s Day from my wife (we were married on St. Patrick’s Day), I know the Peterson is the one pipe that will be with me til I leave this earth!
Love the Peterson Pipes and the P-lip. My first choice if asked.
Excellent detailed information in reference to Peterson pipe story. It helped increasing my knowledge in reference to product and history
Although it’s my favorite brand, I don’t like the p lip. I may have been wrong about them. I never gave much thought to the system pipes either. Maybe it’s time for another look. Thanks for the thoughtful article.
Great article. I look forward to getting their book!
I'd just stumbled into my Irish ancestry a few months after I started smoking a pipe and found that Peterson's were made in Ireland. The first "real" pipe I ever purchased was a Peterson System Pipe. Since then I've branched out into other makers but always have a System Pipe in my bag. Always. I keep thinking I need to smoke them exclusively as I've never had a bad experience with any of my Peterson pipes, System or not. I think one of the reasons I enjoy them so much is that I had a great experience with my first one. Just pleasant to use and the extra steps of cleaning it weren't all that "extra." I just really enjoy them!
I enjoy doing business with your company. Great products.
I enjoy doing business with your company. Great products.
Your estate pipes are tops.
Thank you for a great article , it is interesting to see the system in cross-section. My father was a Peterson man and when he picked me up from school on Fridays we always stopped for a tin of Ogdens Navy and wine gums for me.
He used P lip bits and I use a dental . Not bad teeth just that I like to keep my hands free and with a dental there is no clench ache. I am currently using a Peterson Dental Kapet 608 which was a patented model. Not the system but in many ways just as cool and a straight pot.
I am looking forward to see a revitalised Peterson’s , thanks again .
SN
Thanks for this excellent article! I learned a lot from this, and in this light, the System does make a lot of sense.
Very interesting. I'm a long time Stanwell fan, and while I've considered Peterson pipes, I'd heard a number of negative things from folks whose opinions I respect. Now, with a better understanding, I think my next new pipe may well be a Peterson.
I think.
Peterson's passion is also an old story ....
I just bought some Peterson pipes.
I was very upset because of the wrong Peterson pipe.
The pipes produced between 1980 and 1990 were very good.
I do not like the pipes that are produced.
Interesting and informative article. Thank you.
Great article. I thoroughly enjoy all of your historical essays.
Great article. I’m new to the hobby- just 6 months. I’ve got a standard and a deluxe both of which are my favorites. The standard I use for aromatics and the deluxe for English. Thanks for the cleaning suggestions. I was dumping the ash and dottle out first not thinking about the moisture going into the bowl. Makes sense. Great point. Love this hobby. Thanks
Thank you for a very helpful article. I learned a thing or two, especially about smoking with the P-lip. I agree 2ith the observation that the P-lip piper requires extra steps in cleaning but, really, these extra steps are the work of a moment. I use Irish Whisky for my cleaning solvent. I use the ubiquitous Q-tip for my reservoir cleaner. Dipped in whisky they do a fine job. I have several of the older 312s with a longer, more sinuous mouthpiece and am very fond of the look. Again, many thanks.
Fantastic article. Congratulations and thanks!
I bought my first Peterson System in 1973, and it looks it. If it were an old man, it could tell some stories. It has been around the world a couple of times. Now it has a rack full of friends. I enjoy a variety of makes and models of pipes, but the Petersons are trusted friend that I reach for without even thinking about it.
Hi, everyone! I'm glad to hear that so many are finding this information helpful. It's so interesting and exciting to read through each of your personal experiences and history with Peterson pipes. If you've been on the fence about trying a System pipe, I hope that this has convinced you!
@Jinhyung Kim I'm sorry to hear that you had a poor experience with Peterson pipes. I am going to reach out to you via email to get more information, so we can help resolve any issues there may be.
Excellent article, I have been enjoying Peterson pipes for several decades now. I have avoided the system pipes up until now, mainly due to the odd mouth pieces. After reading this, it is time to give one a try.
A while back I owned a Peterson, very enjoyable pipe. I think it may have disappeared in a move, very unfortunately. It sat very nicely in the hand. Might be time for another.
Great article ... as is the new book. I highly recommend it. The book is a fascinating read with many beautiful photos and illustrations. Someone once told me that the military mount was created so that a soldier, especially on horseback, could separate his pipe when it was hot so he could put it in his pocket in two pieces. Does anyone know if this is true?
@Rick Newcombe From what we know, soldiers used to use spent bullet casings to repair their shanks, making their own military mount. Not only did it repair the pipe, but also made it so they could break it down while the pipe was still hot. The design was carried on with Peterson's military mounts and is still a favorite of many, after all this time!
Funny enough, when I first bought a system, the described cleaning method is just what seemed natural. Always to remove the stem after smoking, since it was military mount, and swab the reservoir out. I always left it apart when it rested. As for the P lip, yep a lot hate it, haha. But, it felt naturally comfortable to put my tongue under the shelf. It's very cool how much work was put into that book.
An informative, well-thought-out and well-written article!
The Peterson pipe is a solid companion, but it took patience at first. Your writing condenses all the knowledge I acquired from long experience.
Pipe smokers would enjoy their hobby even more if there were a greater number of articles like this in circulation.
I just ordered a brand new Peterson Sherlock Holmes Squire P- Lip Bent Bulldog. Does it have the System Pipe described in this article?
@Chancha807 I hope you're enjoying your new Sherlock Holmes! That one does not have the System drilling. Here is a link to the System pipes: https://www.smokingpipes.com/search/main-search.cfm?string=system&category_id=29
I like the #315 style but lately lot of them have the draft hole drilled TOO high in the bowl. I consider this a defect. When will this be corrected?
@Astrocomical Peterson has been making improvements in many aspects of production and will continue to improve. With some of the more bent shapes, drilling all the way to the bottom isn't always possible but Peterson is working on tightening tolerances and improving the quality of their work everyday. If you're ever interested in a pipe and you'd like us to inspect it for you, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to check a pipe for our customers before sending it out!
I just received my first system pipe - a smooth Premier B42 with a p-lip. A very nice pipe. But I can't remove the stem (or I'm afraid to) because it won't twist - even with a lot of exertion. I'm afraid that with all that force something might snap. Is there a trick to removing this stem?
@David C If it's a system pipe, then it has a military mount so it's okay to use some force to remove it. Just a little tip, try gently rocking it back and forth to loosen it a little bit instead of twisting it. If you're still having trouble, feel free to reach out to us via email and we'll be happy to assist!
Hi all, can a system pipe be smoked continuously for an evening, or should it be cleaned and rested after every bowl. Sounds like it would be a good workhorse for traveling.
@Philip R While the military mount allows the pipe to be dismantled while hot, you'll still want to give the System pipes proper rest time to cool between smokes. They are definitely workhorse pipes, though!
What's the shape of the system pipe shown in the first picture? The Peterson codes are a little confusing to me.
What's the shape of the system pipe shown in the first picture? The Peterson codes are a little confusing to me.
I HAVE JUST RECEIVED MY FIRST PETERSON SYSTEM PIPE DATED FROM 1902 FROM SMOKINGPIPES.COM ( I LOVE YOU PEOPLE AT SP.COM) AND I LOVE IT!!! IT IS SMALLER THAN EXPECTED, HOWEVER IT IS QUITE A GEM. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH AND MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
I have 4 system pipes and 1 churchwarden from Peterson. The systems are all p-lips. I have a a few other Italian and American pipes with standard fishtail designs. I don’t even smoke those anymore. Nothing beats a system pipe with the p-lip mouthpiece. Try he system pipes are so much more enjoyable to smoke. Fortunately for me I have been cleaning my pipes correctly all along. I am guessing that I was instructed how to clean them when I bought my first system. Hope to go to Ireland some day and tour the factory
I am a relatively new pipe smoker, I have 2 Peterson pipes one belonged to my grandfather the other Peterson I have not tried it out yet,it is a standard system smooth 307 PL I'm not too sure what that means.
@Kenneth Lowe Is the PL stamped into the pipe? From my research, I'm finding the the PL could refer to Paddy Larrigan, when he was at Peterson making pipes. Sometimes he would stamp pipes with his "PL" stamp. You can ready more about it here: http://petersonpipenotes.org/tag/peterson-founders-edition-pipe/
I have recently purchased two peterson pipes.The rustic 313 system and the XL 90 killarney red and 3 tins killarney sweet, my 965,sunset.My relatives came from county kerry Ireland.My Grandmother spoke Gaelic her last name Daily and my other relatives O'Rourke.Myself born and raised in the State's Truck driver at Chrysler's DETROIT Michigan with most of my relatives who where Irishmen I thought it wise just getting into smoking pipe to purchase a Peterson.Very wise choice BEAUTIFUL Pope's.Very good tobacco.Very Pleased with my purchase.
Just smoked my system pipe for the first time but forgot to clean the reservoir before emptying the ash. Now I have some gloopy looking cake that is uneven. Should I be worried? Will smoking it the right way from here on out work itself out?
I wish to buy 3.5" stem. Could you send email address please
@Clive Baulch I'm going to reach out to you via email to see if we can assist!
The idea of the system is to give you the best smoke. The chamber in the bottom collects the juice that some tobaccos produce.. The bore is small at the bottom so you draw a condensed amount of smoke. As the smoke is drawn up the mouthpiece, the smoke spreads out. The opening where the smoke comes out into your mouth is on top so the smoke doesn't touch your toung at first, but fills your mouth so you can taste the fullness of the tobacco you're smoking.
You can eliminate all of the mess of cleaning a system pipe, by placing a few of Nording's "Erics Keystone's" in the reservoir. They will absorb all of the moisture and can just be dumped out when cleaning. Believe me when I tell you that they eliminate all of the mess and make cleaning a system pipe a pleasure. Experiment with the number of keystone's required, depending on your tobacco. They have no effect on the tobacco flavor.
Never really considered a system pipe before. Never new anybody that smoked one either. However, my curiosity is aroused now. I think I'll consider one on my next purchase.
I am 78. I was just doing the math for my lady-love, who enjoys my pipe smoke aromas; I have been puffing away for 64 years. Began age 14 with Mixture 79 because my favorite uncle's wardrobe, clothing and car always smelled of Mixture 79. All the other males were cigarette smokers, something that had no interest to me. My backup smokes from 14 on were Havana cigars until the idiot Kennedy banned them from the U.S., allegedly fancying such a ban would destroy Castro. Hah. You could get Havanas in any other country. But what prompted my finding this page was my oldest pipe, purchased around age 16 in a Jacksonville drug store, same store I purchased my Solingen-steel Bowie knife. They don't make drug stores like that anymore. The pipe was and is a large military-mount Peterson with the p-lip. I showed it to her from my tobacco drawer and polished the briar to try to raise the name. No luck--all that remains is a ghost of a delta triangle. Specks of gray epoxy from years of building cork duck decoys, a few small nicks, and one shallow crack that worried me into retiring it for occasional careful "mindful" communions with straight Perique. It's too heavy for an old man's teeth to clench while pounding a keyboard to produce fiction and memoir. Thanks for offering this site; evidence some good things endure even this bold new, cold new world I have lived to see.
Curious - Do the Christmas pipes use the Peterson System too?
For Bill Burkett- Did you ever visit The Tobacco Shop on Main St in Jacksonville? It might have been "The Pipe Shop". I bought my first pipe there from Rosalie- a Castello for $18.75 which was expensive for someone making $1/hr. This was 1954. The Dunhills were $25 and too expensive for me. I still smoke the Castello and it is wonderful. I just started getting interested in Petersons and like the older rustications and the Sherlock series.
Loved this article. So well researched and presented.
So excited, just ordered my first "real pipe" after my first two months as a pipe smoker, the Peterson System Standard Heritage (303) (P-Lip) (9mm). I've found that I really enjoy the 9mm filter in my other pipes. There was no mention made here of the filter integration in the System pipe. Is it just considered optional?
I have a very small Peterson system pipe that has an Oval bowl and ideal for a vest pocket. I cannot define the silver marks but it is marked the Peterson system and appears to be Dublin made. It belonged to my late grandfather who was stationed in Dublin as an RE officer prior to WW1. He was sent to the Western front, taking with him two Peterson pipes that now belong to my brother. They survived the Somme and later battles until 1918.I have never seen another one like the small Oval bowled pipe. My grandfather referred to it as his "relief" pipe and would vanish from a group, remove it from his vest pocket and have a quick smoke to fortify himself. I cannot vouch for when he purchased this little pipe but I suspect it could have been in the 20s or 30s.