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I was talking recently to James Walsh, who writes this morning’s post, about changes in the frazing (bowl shape) of the SH Lestrade. I was curious when it went from what I think was a fairly short release of its first iteration to the long middle period of the second and then a third which commenced around 2018.  In the midst of that conversation, James reminded me that today’s post would feature another one of my favorite”transitional” System shapes, the 05.

The delightful new 05d shape in the System Spigot

The 05, Glen Whelan told me in Chicago, has recently been redesigned by Giacomo Penzo, K&P’s pipe specialist. I believe Glen said that Giacomo was engaged in an on-going project to redesign a number of their shapes, but don’t quote me as another source didn’t want to make any comment.

What I’ve earlier designation the 05a or true bent dublin is what James is going to show us from Cheyen’s collection. This marvelous shape was only on the market for a few years when it was superseded by the 05b, the calabash we’re much more familiar with, the shape which in XL became the Sherlock Holmes Original and in the Kinsale the XL11.

Now all of these shapes feature the love it/hate it conical or “v” shaped chamber geometry. Why love it – hate it? Because this unusual chamber geometry causes the flavors of the tobacco to intensify during the smoking.  Sounds Irish, right? As in, gets better the longer you stay with it?  Some pipemen don’t appreciate the increasing intensity of the flavor while others do; it’s as simple as that. I’m one of those who love it and have adored Petersons’s Dublin shapes for so many years.

A little after 2018 some fascinating (even comic, to my mind) variations began, due to new outsourcing, all of which I’ll call the 05c. And now, just in 2025, we have the 2025d.  I just recently acquired the 05d seen above whose grain and stain simply knocked me out.  I haven’t even investigated to see if it’s got a true conical chamber. . . . But enough–it’s time for James and Cheyen!

Cheyen Lloyd
Location: Milmay, New Jersey
Interest/Collecting Peterson Since: 2019

Although short lived, the original System shape 5 (bent Dublin) seen above has somewhat of a cult following. Not fully appreciated in its own time, many who now companion this shape have fallen for it. One of these smokers is none other than resident CPG, Cheyen Lloyd. While Cheyen has quite an extensive collection of Petes, he seems to gravitate to the original shape 5 frequently. Below he shares some of his great smoking implements.

From top to bottom: System Deluxe 5s, Dunmore Rustic XL75, System Standard 5s smooth African meerschaum, System Standard 5s rustic African meerschaum.

System Deluxe 5s

Appreciably smaller than the XL version, the 5s is a wonderful smoker. I myself companion one of these and can attest to it’s ability to deliver a fantastic smoke.

System Star Premier 5s (not pictured in family photo)

This system Star XL305 boasts quite a large chamber capacity. Take a close look and you will see that it’s fitted with the acclaimed comfort bit and silver shank cap. The way this model is dressed is pure elegance, perhaps even more so than the Deluxe dress.

Dunmore Rustic XL75

Another example of the XL size fitted with the comfort bit. This version of rustication worn by the Dunmore line may, in my opinion, rival the popular pebble rustic. The shank beading is not quite as noticeable as on a smooth Dunmore but still adds the right touch to the overall aesthetic.

System Standard 5s Smooth African Meerschaum

Merrschaum pipes typically deliver a great smoke and the 5s is no different. This particular piece was picked up as an estate with quite a few miles already on it but nevertheless continues to deliver and will do so for many more years to come. This pipe is the embodiment of a workhorse.

System Standard 5s Rustic African Meerschaum

Just like the smooth version, this pipe is a workhorse. Mounted with an everyman nickel shank cap, this one is likely a bit older than the smooth in Cheyen’s 5s stable. The shape 5s, thus far, is documented no earlier than 1975 and yet this piece still bears the nickel mount marks typically thought to have, more or less, disappeared in the early to mid 1960s.

…and a bonus:

System Premier XL307 with Horn Stem P-Lip

While writing up Ken’s Pipes last week, I recalled that Cheyen had a horn stem in his collection. I asked him for a couple of shots as it’s not every day we get to see these horn P-Lip stems. Paired with a 1981 premier sandblast bowl, this pipe is simply beautiful. I’ll just leave it here for your enjoyment.

Thank you Cheyen for sharing your 5s collection and for helping to keep this fantastic system shape from falling into obscurity. Your affinity for the shape has definitely got me thinking I need to add another (or three) to my own collection.