Since 2020, thanks to Mark Irwin’s PetersonPipeNotes.org, Peterson System Pipe fans have celebrated the anniversary of Charles Peterson’s third and final System Pipe patent, awarded on September 3, 1898. The patent marks the perfection of Peterson’s innovations in pipe design. As a result, Peterson fans (aka Pete Geeks) have been enjoying a cooler and dryer smoke for almost 128 years.
Peterson’s System Pipe design evolved over nearly a decade of pipe making, starting with his first patent in 1890 for the Moisture Reservoir — to “Keep the moisture in the pipe, not in the smoker’s mouth.”
His second major System related patent, awarded in 1894, focused on the graduated bore stem, designed to “Slow the smoke down so the System can do its work,” allowing the moisture and impurities to settle into the reservoir.
The third and final System related patent — awarded on September 3, 1898 — altered the button at the end of the stem, creating the iconic P-Lip mouthpiece. Instead of directing smoke straight onto the tongue, the opening was moved to the top of the bit — to “Move the smoke away from the tongue.” — directing smoke toward the roof of the mouth first, allowing cooler smoke to settle on the tongue. Peterson believed this reduced tongue bite and made for a more comfortable smoke.
In short, Peterson’s three patents “Collect the moisture. Slow the smoke. Redirect it away from the tongue.” markedly improving the pipe smoking experience.
2026 Peterson System Day Event
To spotlight and celebrate the iconic Peterson System Pipe, Chesapeake Pipe & Cigar, is holding its first Peterson System Day Event on Thursday, September 3, 2026 here in Annapolis, Maryland.
We’ll start the day with a Peterson Trunk Show, in conjunction with Peterson’s US distributor, Laudisi. Throughout the day, we will periodically hold drawings for some unique Peterson prizes.
Starting at 6:30PM, we will be holding a System Pipe Class, discussing the interaction of the System and Deluxe System design elements, packing and smoking a System pipe the way Charles Peterson recommended and detailed cleaning of the System and System Deluxe pipes.
Our schedule is still evolving and we’ll release additional details as we have them to share.
Knowing that many System Pipe fans can’t physically attend our event, we are putting together a live Zoom feed, helping Pete Geeks from around the world to participate.
We’re still working on some great surprises (activities and customized swag) for attendees and Zoom participants, so check our website for updates.
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