Peterson System 31 Smooth Straight Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Irish Estates

Description

Peterson pipes generally need no introduction, but just in case you’re unfamiliar: in 1876, a Latvian named Charles Peterson immigrated to Ireland and was hired making pipes in a workshop owned by Frederick and George Kapp. After rising through the ranks to become head craftsman, Peterson bought into the Kapp’s business, which was renamed, Kapp & Peterson (K&P). During this time, Peterson himself applied for several patents for pipe designs, including the world-famous Peterson’s System. Since then, Peterson has become one of the most recognizable names in pipe smoking and continues to produce high quality pipes from their headquarters in Dublin.

Of all of the System pipes Peterson produces, the shape “31” may well be the most unique. That’s because, unlike every other System shape, the 31 billiard is a straight design, rather than a bent one. The drilling is, therefore, ever so slightly different, as the moisture-trapping reservoir resides beneath the pipe’s bowl, rather than in the transition space between shank and bowl. As Mark Irwin at Peterson Pipe Notes recounts (and laments), the shape debuted in 1945 and was produced continuously until 2018, when production ceased altogether. While it does look as though Laudisi brought the 31 back at some point (as implied by Peterson’s current website), they remain exceedingly rare and unavailable for purchase. This one looks to have been made prior to 2018, as it features a much lighter finish than the System Standard finishes offered since the Laudisi acquisition.

The condition is good. Some wear to the rim and minor handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.72 / 18.28mm

Bowl Depth: 0.96″ / 24.38mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 28g