Peterson (1991) Premier System Smooth 303 Bent Apple with Silver (Estate)

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.

Peterson’s patented System is (usually) comprised of three parts: a moisture reservoir at the base of the shank, which collects moisture produced during use; a graduated bore within the stem that works in tandem with the bowl’s reservoir to keep moisture out of the airway; and a P-Lip button, which directs smoke up into one’s mouth rather than onto one’s tongue, further reducing the burn and bite that many blends are associated with (though some modern System pipes forego the latter for a conventional fishtail mouthpiece).

But there have been many different series of System pipes since their debut in the late 19th century. Each has featured the same basic elements of that System, but the other aspects of their design have varied from series to series. The Premier System has its roots in the earliest decades of the System pipe, and was formally introduced at the end of the Second World War. In both iterations it was intended to be an upmarket version of Peterson’s flagship System Standard, as while the shapes available in the former have always been the same as the latter, the Premier system has also always featured a few “extras” that distinguish it from its Standard counterparts. One difference is the briar used, with Premiers being turned from some of Peterson’s finest-grained blocks; another is the condenser featured on Premier System pipes, which adds another layer of heat and moisture reduction to the design; and lastly, Premier System models feature army mounts turned from sterling silver, rather than the Standard’s Nickel. This particular pipe is an example of the Premier System from 1991, and wears a light, natural finish over its flame-grained bowl.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim darkening, slight finish fading, and minor handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.74 / 18.79mm

Bowl Depth: 1.24″ / 31.49mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g