Description
The Peterson of Dublin Shamrock Bent Billiard XL90S is a classic expression of Irish pipe-making tradition, combining rugged proportions with refined, practical design. As part of the Shamrock series—often associated with accessible, everyday Peterson craftsmanship—the XL90S showcases one of the marque’s most recognizable and robust shapes.
The XL90S is a bent billiard of generous scale, widely regarded as one of the largest and most muscular bent billiards in Peterson’s standard catalogue, characterised by a thick shank, substantial bowl, and a smooth, sweeping bend. This size is not merely aesthetic; it provides a deep, capacious chamber that supports long, leisurely smoking sessions, making it particularly appealing to experienced pipe smokers.
The bent configuration offers both comfort and balance. The curvature allows the pipe to sit naturally when clenched, reducing jaw fatigue while maintaining a steady, even draw. Meanwhile, the stout walls of the briar bowl provide excellent insulation, helping regulate heat and ensuring a cooler smoke over extended use.
Visually, the Shamrock finish leans toward understated elegance, featuring a smooth briar surface paired with a simple saddle stem, allowing the natural grain of the wood to take centre stage. This aligns with Peterson’s long-standing “House Style,” which favours durability, functionality, and timeless form over excessive ornamentation.
In the XL90S, these qualities come together in a pipe that feels substantial in hand yet remains balanced and practical. It is a shape that rewards slow smoking and suits a wide variety of tobacco blends. For those seeking a dependable, traditionally styled pipe with a bold presence, the Peterson Shamrock Bent Billiard XL90S stands as a compelling choice.
The pipe you see is the pipe you get. This pipe came to us from a private collection, and where necessary, has been expertly restored by a local craftsman. This pipe was previously smoked but has been completely and professionally reconditioned and sanitized. Because it has been pre-owned, the price is drastically reduced compared to what this pipe would cost new (assuming that you could even find it). We stand behind these pipes; if you ever have an issue, return it to us for repair or refund.
Tobacco pipe stands used in the pictures are for photography purposes only and are not included.
| Bowl Height (Outside) | 2.10” / 53mm |
| Bowl Width (Outside) | 1.56” / 40mm |
| Pipe Length | 5.5” / 140mm |
| Chamber Depth | 1.57” / 40mm |
| Chamber Diameter | .78” / 20mm |
| Pipe Weight | 68g |
| Pipe Shape | Billiard |
| Stem Shape | Bent |
| Filter | No |
| Shape Number | XL90S |
| Bowl Material | Briar |
| Stem Material | Acrylic |
| Finish | Smooth |
| Country | Republic of Ireland |
About The Range
In 1890, after 15 years of handling and repairing pipes while working for the Kapps, Charles Peterson secured a patent in his own name, titled "A certain new and useful improvement in Tobacco-Pipes," which introduced 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). Designed to wick moisture away from the smoke, reduce tongue bite, and increase the longevity of the pipe, Peterson's complete System patent sparked a tradition of innovation, one Peterson continues to uphold to this day. The System Pipe is the invisible source behind the unique House Style with their pipes' muscular shanks and transitions, tubular profile, and generous bends. The overall shaping style has a distinctly antique form because it has remained largely unchanged for over 120 years.
In the System range, you'll find a variety of shapes in myriad finishes, each featuring Charles Peterson's groundbreaking improvements in the realm of tobacco pipes. Whether you're looking for your first pipe or to enhance a robust collection, here you'll find numerous options to suit any taste, all backed by Peterson's legacy of craftsmanship.
About Peterson of Dublin
In 1874, just one year after receiving a prize medal for his efforts at the 1873 London International Exhibition, German émigré Frederick Kapp moved his pipe retail operation from London to Dublin, Ireland, where he opened a new tobacco and pipe shop, making and selling pipes crafted from meerschaum as well as briar root, a relatively new material to the market. Within a year, Frederick employed a young Latvian woodworker named Charles Peterson to help with production and repairs.
In 1890, after 15 years of handling and repairing multitudes of pipes, and thinking critically about how to improve their design, Peterson applied for and secured a patent in his own name, titled "A certain new and useful improvement in Tobacco-Pipes," introducing a unique system designed to wick moisture away from the smoke and deliver a fuller tobacco flavor – a design he would continue to improve over the next eight years. By 1896, after winning two gold medals at the International Tobacco Trades Exhibition in London for "Best Finished Pipe" and "Best Patent Pipe," Charles Peterson, together with Frederick's son Alfred Henry, had transformed the small pipe shop and smoking parlour into a budding international export factory, introducing the patented System pipe, as well as a host of other Classic designs, to the hands and minds of enthusiasts worldwide, where Kapp & Peterson has remained for generations.
As the oldest continuously operating briar pipe factory in the world, the pipe makers at Peterson have a certain tradition to uphold, a legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 150 years. Whether you're browsing for your very first pipe or are a seasoned collector in search of a rare gem, know that every pipe in their catalogue carries with it that same preservation of tradition. A Peterson pipe isn't just a utilitarian tool; it's a piece of history you can carry with you in your travels, a faithful companion to accompany you through all that life offers.
