Peterson Deluxe Bent Billiard (shape 9S)

[georged]

OK, this one involves a modification---a non-stock stem---but the pipe is one of my all-time favorites. This 9S and I have a lot of shared history, and have each other's back to the end. :: If I didn't include it in my little survey project it would be like insulting a friend.
(If that doesn't make sense to you, you should probably ditch pipes and take up RC airplanes or golf. :P )
Bought new in 1988, I always liked how the pipe smoked and tasted, but never cared for the feel of its P-lip stem. (There's no right or wrong regarding stem shape... what works for you is all that counts). Anyway, I finally gave in and spun up my lathe to make a wider and flatter conventional slotted stem for it several years ago. Made it shorter in the bargain to reduce perceived weight.
Since then I've smoked it the absolute crap out of it. :lol: The convergence of a favorite stummel and tailor-made stem is magic. Magic I say! :D
75.2 grams; 5.85" long (diagonal), 5.5" long (level)
.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Lovely pipe! And beautiful birdseye on it's left flank. Absolutely lovely. Of course the rim char and cake buildup attest to the fact that it's a well loved pipe. Bravo :clap: I've been looking at those Deluxe for some time, but I'm slightly thrown off by the stem fittings. I understand that they're made that way to prolong the life of the stem when removing and reapplying after repeated use, and that in time the tenon is worn down and will fit flush. But with none of my other pipes seeming to need a fitting like that, what's the point? Just an observation. Regardless of all that, it's a lovely pipe and I hope it continues to offer you many more years of enjoyment. ::

 

[danielplainview]

Sweet Pete. I prefer a slotted bit but I don’t mind the P-lip. It actually works if you’re smoking some fresh bitey Virginia’s.
Is there a function to the gap in the connection or is it purely aesthetic? Peterson is the only one I’ve seen do this.

 

[georged]

Is there a function to the gap in the connection or is it purely aesthetic? Peterson is the only one I’ve seen do this.

It's necessary when the tenon is tapered. Military (tapered) bits without a shoulder just keep seating microscopically deeper over time, but when there IS a shoulder, there must be a gap or one day the stem won't stay tight.

 

[bigpond]

Another stunner George! The #9 has to be among the neatest shapes, I’d love to grab one. I have an ‘88 4s and it’s among my favs too.

 

[jensen]

My first P lip pipe was a de luxe shape 15. I did not like it so I had a normal one made by a local pipemaker.

Now, many P lip pipes later I regret that.

My second 9 S arrived last Wednesday. I have been smoking Peterson system briars the last 14 days.Lot of cleaning

after a fill.........but I have nothing else to do........I have the time.

 

[leacha]

Did you keep the stem extension (condenser) or turned one in?
The system and Army pipes are actually my favorite Peterson pipes. This AM I found a supreme online I'm contemplating. Funny how I saw your post afterwards.
Your amazing work makes me wanna break my stems and then get new ones from you. :wink:

 

[georged]

Shit. I managed to do it again. :evil:
The thread header should say DELUXE not SUPREME.
Sorry.
Can a mod please fix? Thanks.
---
leachea --- I kept the little aluminum widget, but didn't thread the new stem for it.

 

[mso489]

I have one P-Lip on a 999 Rhody among my six or eight Petes, and I enjoy smoking it, but would never buy another. It's a little too much bit in my mouth. I much prefer the fishtail. Having the smoke directed at the roof of my mouth doesn't improve the smoke for me at all. Still, I never hesitate to fire up the P-Lip when it's turn comes.

 

[irishearl]

The 9s is my favorite deluxe system pipe due to its shape and size. You did a fine job on that stem George. Yeah Anthony, the riser aspect of the stem was done for purported functional reasons, though I tend to enjoy it aesthetically as it certainly adds a uniqueness to its design. Have on rare occasions seen photos of that pipe with a tapered stem which I think I prefer over the typical saddle stem which all of my deluxe system pipes have. Have the 11s, 20s and a blasted 4s in addition to the 9s.

 

[ssjones]

The title has been corrected. That is a great looking Deluxe, except for that funny looking thing at the end of the stem.
On the gap of the stem, that feature is know as the "space fitting stem". Overtime, and use, the gap would decrease.

https://petersonpipenotes.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/closing-the-gap-the-mythos-of-petersons-space-fitting-system-stem/

 

[snowyowl]

See Al's reference to Mark Irwin's Pete space-fitting pipe page, above...

Here's my much newer Deluxe 9s space-fit with a straight grain and p-lip, but I do prefer that fabulous birdseye!

[couldn't find a traditional pipestand, so I used a bowl of M&Ms]

 

[irishearl]

Well, have had my pipes for about 10 years and they had some age on them when I got them. The stems ain't lowered even a smidge. But, that's perfectly fine by me.

 

[bigpond]

Hey George,
Have you noticed a difference in the volume of moisture in the sump with the new stem? I assume you drilled it 4mm throughout and didn’t provision for the condenser.

 

[georged]

Have you noticed a difference in the volume of moisture in the sump with the new stem? I assume you drilled it 4mm throughout and didn’t provision for the condenser.

I never checked the moisture level before or after. I just twist a paper towel into a spike, and stab it in the reservoir while twisting a few turns to remove the yuck.
As for 4mm throughout, actually, no. I took a page from Pete's scrapbook and drilled the airway as a long, shallow cone over most of its length, then constant diameter only through the bit zone.
It takes a specialized (and stupidly expensive) type of drill-reamer widget to do, but people don't call me a details-obsessed tool geek for nothing. :lol:
Figuring it couldn't hurt, I also turned the face of the shank into a large, 45-degree "gathering cone" to feed the smoke into the base of the long skinny one.
.

 

[ssjones]

I'd rather see that tenon than a pinup....

 

[bigpond]

As for 4mm throughout, actually, no. I took a page from Pete's scrapbook and drilled the airway as a long, shallow cone over most of its length, then constant diameter only through the bit zone.
It takes a specialized (and stupidly expensive) type of drill-reamer widget to do, but people don't call me a details-obsessed tool geek for nothing. :lol:

That is remarkable! I apologize for underestimating you George. I didn’t think anyone would be crazy detail oriented enough to do that. My hat is off to you.
Stan is right. The real beauty shots are under the hood here.