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The stories of Sherlock Holmes have enchanted readers since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published A Study in Scarlet in 1887, introducing the world to the detective through the narration of his partner and roommate, Watson. This would only be the first story of many to come and countless adaptations and inspirations from every storytelling medium. 

It's no wonder that the cultural import of the character is especially potent amongst pipe smokers. The tobacco pipe is elemental to the iconic Sherlock Holmes' aesthetic, as well as his methods (exemplified in the quotable "three pipe problem"—the detective's unit of measurement for his deduction). Some characters merely smoke a pipe, but others are pipe smoking characters, embodying some aspect that resonates with those who appreciate pipe smoking. We may not have his sagacious deduction skills, but the pipe as a ritual that buttresses contemplation is a familiar association to many of us.

It's through this lens that Peterson of Ireland venerates the fantastic character and adventures Doyle brought us with their Sherlock Holmes Series.

The Sherlock Holmes Series

Now a staple of the Peterson marque, the Sherlock Holmes series began with one commemorative pipe released in 1987 to celebrate the centennial of the publishing of A Study in Scarlet, the novel that introduced the world to the infamous literary detective. 

Following this first Sherlock pipe—its shape dubbed the "Original"—a series was built, with shapes being added in waves over the years, each inspired by a different aspect of the Sherlock universe. From 1989 to 1991, the Original Sherlock Holmes Collection was released, bringing the series to seven fine shapes. Seven more would be added between 1992 and 1997 in The Return of Sherlock Holmes collection.

Each features a P-lip bit leading to a silver band, stamped with the Peterson Sherlock logo of Basal Rathbone's silhouette clenching a 4AB Peterson System pipe. But what really ties this series together is the size of the shapes. They are husky and muscular and, well, if these are the pipes smoked for that three pipe problem, it must be quite the conundrum. 

Special editions may depart from some of the consistencies in the regular production. For instance, the 2021 Peterson Christmas Pipe featured all fourteen Sherlock Holmes shapes, but saw the sterling silver band swapped for copper, and the vulcanite stem and P-lip bit replaced with acrylic fishtails. These special editions were available in two finishes. 

Peterson Sherlock Holmes Finishes

The regular production Sherlock Holmes includes eight finishes, each bringing a unique personality out of the respective shapes. 

Dark Smooth

Also a popular finish on Peterson's Deluxe System, Dark Smooth offers a deep walnut stain. The perfectly modest shine gives the light and dark contrast in the grain a wonderful marble texture for a vibrant yet not overly glossy enthusiasm.

Ebony

You can find the Ebony finish on many Peterson designs. It's one of the ways the brand shows their capacity for bringing a bit of a modern cadence to classic shaping. The finish isn't quite gleaming, not quite matte—it wades between without leaning into that listless plastic shine. Ebony offers an elegant, tasteful simplicity, especially for those who find that the dimensions of the Sherlock Holmes pipe is statement enough. 

Heritage

Heritage is the most recent finish introduced to the Peterson Sherlock Holmes line. In some light, it seems to have a similar black sleekness as Ebony with a little more shine. But at closer inspection, we have a deep, swarthy burgundy. I'm especially partial to the way Heritage catches the light on the rigid lines of the several diamond shanks represented in the series. 

Natural

Peterson Special Blast (PSB)

The Peterson Special Blast is another distinguished finish that is reserved for select pipes. In 2020, Peterson began stamping certain sandblasted pipes with PSB, denoting the exceptional grain. This grade came about in recognition of stunning results that the Peterson team were getting in refining the sandblasting process. 

This isn't necessarily a different finish from the regular Peterson Sandblast, but a grade of the Sandblast. However, because of how infrequently a blasted stummel qualifies for the honorable PSB stamp, they are currently exclusive to a few Peterson lines: Deluxe Classic, House, Deluxe System, and of course, Sherlock Holmes. 

Rustic

Much like the Sandblast finish, Peterson has stepped up their approach to rusticating in the last few years. This deep, craggy rustication was developed by Peterson's Wojciech Blaszczak. This rustication wonderfully contrasts the black and red finish, and depressions offer more purposeful orientation than I expect from a rusticated finish. This has more of the visual texture of a wind swept sand-scape—craggy directional ripples.

The style is especially alluring in the Sherlock Holmes line up, since the large shapes allow for a deeper rustication than may not be permitted by pipes with thinner walls. The result is a satisfying texture for shapes that are already notably comfortable in the hand.  

Sandblast

Although the pipes in the regular Sandblast finish didn't quite meet Peterson's high standards for a PSB grading, these stummels are chosen for Sandblast because they have beautiful grain but would not work as a smooth due to some blemish that the blasting process removes. Or they they may be chosen for grain that particularly lends itself to a Sandblast, usually nice ring grain. So, they are far from rejects, the standard for the PSB stamp is just incredibly selective. 

Smooth Terracotta

The Terracotta imparts an alluring tuscany red that brilliantly displays the grain. Personally, I love a red finish when it works but I'm picky—often they're either a bit too candy-bright for my taste, or they're dark to the point of losing contrast with the stain. The Terracotta perfectly brings a warm  vibrancy without undercutting the whimsy of a lovely grain. 

Peterson Sherlock Holmes Shapes

Original - Sherlock Holmes Commemorative Pipe (1987)

The Original was the first shape in Peterson's Sherlock series, though at the time, it was a one-off commemorative pipe to celebrate the centennial of the publishing of A Study in Scarlet. The Original was crafted in the style of Peterson's House Pipe range. This series gives recognition to the manufacturer's history of offering especially large pipes, the earliest known example being printed in an 1896 catalogue. Designed by Peterson great Paddy Larrigan, this brawny Calabash set the precedent for the rest of the Sherlock Holmes line to be of similar proportion. 

It's not hard to imagine where the inspiration for this shape came from. The famed detective has long been associated with the Calabash, although Doyle's writing never places the gourd in Sherlock's mouth. This association actually started with William Gillette's portrayal of Holmes in an 1899 play. He would remain in this role for many years, and would be the first to portray Holmes on the screen in a 1916 silent film adaptation. It's likely the distinctive Calabash was the optimal choice as a pipe that would be plainly visible in stage performance. 

Appropriately, the Sherlock Holmes Original is a statement pipe of its own. The full bent stem takes a precipitous dive to the shank which transitions with a dramatic bend of its own, turning up into the bowl, so slightly widening toward the rim like an upturned bell. Its a husky pipe, but somehow is proportioned to impart a lean brawn. It's often that the shank leaves little gap with the bowl in a sizable full bent such as this, but the Original maintains that Calabash flexibility. 

Original Sherlock Holmes Collection (1989 - 1991)

Baker Street

Between 1989 and 1991, six more Peterson Sherlock Holmes pipes would be added to the range, each named for a significant aspect of the Holmes legacy. Baker Street of course references the London address of the detective, 221B Baker Street. 

In the Baker Street shape we have a stout, flinty Bulldog. The ridges are sharp and muscular. The bold underside brings to mind the vee-bottom hull of a ship; sound and sturdy. The bowl sits up straight from a strong heel, widening up toward two fine bead lines, where the it then tapers in toward the rim. The stem briefly adopts the broadness of the shank before a quick narrowing to the bit. 

An interesting aspect of this shape is its softer appearance from above, with less say from its chiseled lines and more input from the round P-lip. 

Baskerville

Baskerville is named for the third Holmes novel, The Hounds of the Baskervilles. It was also the first widely popular upon its release, as it was the Sherlock Holmes short stories that Doyle began publishing in The Strand starting in 1891 that brought the series commercial success. 

The bead line brother-shapes are well represented in the Peterson Sherlock Holmes series, those being the Bulldog and Rhodesian. Defined by its round shank, here we have the latter, but even among its designation, the Baskerville stands out, and not just for its size. While many shapes in the Holmes line have their counterpart in the traditional shape repertoire, Baskerville really has a flavor its own—it's not often you see a full-bent Rhodesian. 

The Baskerville wears its bead lines high before tapering briefly toward the rim. The broad shank pulls up close to the bowl, leading to the steep stem which maintains that visual weight up to a strong bend before the bit. The usual analogy for the stem would be swan-like I supposed, but the broad neck on this swan more favors Nessie peaking out of the loch. 

Deerstalker

Of course one of these shapes had to be named for Sherlock's iconic cap. The double billed, ear flapped headwear originally associated with hunting garb (hence the name) has become so tied to Sherlock, its image is essentially a visual metonym for detective. 

I can see why this shape is apt for the Deerstalker name. The round bowl pulling in above the bead lines gives that cap atop the head image, and the stem with its languid dip of a slight bend calls to mind the subtle downward slant of the deerstalker bill. 

Personally, I place Deerstalker among my favorites in this line. Again, we see the English classic Rhodesian given a twist, not too eccentric but certainly creating an identity of its own. It brings a strong forward weight, the bowl catching the eye and the shank and stem not quite as bold as we get from some of the other Sherlock shapes. Additionally, where much of the Sherlock line has a stoic briskness about the aesthetic, the light wave of the Deerstalker, following from heel to bit, adds a lithe, playful touch to the range. 

Professor

In 1893, the short story "The Adventure of the Final Problem" was publish in The Strand, introducing Sherlock's heel, Professor James Moriarty; the shape for which the nemesis is named certainly has quite the heel. 

With the Professor, we are right back to the bold, husky design at the heart of the Peterson House Pipe style. 

The plump heel gives a bulbous visual weight to the base of the bowl. The silhouette offers a bit more splay to accommodate the 1/3 bend. I'm eschewing the swan neck and Nessie comparisons for this stem, I see more of a strong elephant's trunk in the Professor. It fits just right for the thickset bowl. Though that bowl naturally attracts one's focus, the stem bears a proportionate strength that keeps the shape in balance. The Professor's outward reach and large bowl may not make for a comfortable clench, but it practically begs to be cradled in the palm.

Squire

The Squire is named for one of the twelve short stories making up The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, "The Adventure of the Reigate Squire." The name certainly underscores a stateliness that is apt for this slight bent Bulldog. 

The diamond shank elegantly bends into the low base of the squat bowl so that the bowl almost seems to be held from below, offered nonchalantly in the loose cradle of an upturned hand. The Squire's squat bowl belies its capacious chamber. With a broad, strong base below the bead lines, the Squire evokes the ample Bull-Moose shape.  

In all, the Squire touts a distinguished appeal, but a bit less rigid than the conservative Baker Street. Even with that sharp, diamond shank, there is a relaxed posture. 

Watson

Watson of course was Holmes' confidant and biographer through his many adventures. It couldn't be a Sherlock Holmes line without a Watson around, could it? 

Another full bent Rhodesian, the Watson sees the stout Baskerville portioned up. Aside from its scaling up the dimensions, the base has been pulled back a bit giving an Oom-Paul likeness, and creating a slightly less plum silhouette, with the shank and thick base of the stem not so snug to the bowl—a lean muscularity. 

The Watson was designed by Larrigan, but inspired by an idea sketched for a hybrid of the Oom-Paul and Calabash by Mario Lubinski, an Italian pipe maker who collaborated on many Peterson designs through the years.

Return of Sherlock Holmes series (1992 - 1997)

Hansom

You may recall instances of hailing hansoms in the Sherlock stories. Though certainly attractive carriages of the 19th century, they were named for their designer, Joseph Hansom, who patented the cabbie in 1834. The carriage was designed to have a low center of gravity—though, this Hansom surely wasn't.

With the second string of Sherlock shapes released, we see the whimsy and playful takes on traditional shaping applied in the Peterson House Style in even more interesting ways. The Hansom brings us a wonderful reimagining of the Bulldog. The proud, tall-standing, high-waisted bowl has the industrial integrity of the smokestack of an old locomotive. The stummel sees a brisk transition, giving distance between the attention grabbing bowl and giving the sinewy shank an exhibition of its own.

Hudson

The Bulldogs continue with the Hudson, named for the landlady at 221B Baker Steet. 

With the Hudson, we have something more akin to the stiff, resolute profile of the Baker Street. The bowl is stout and and transitions to the shank in such a way that eludes definition between the subsections. A notably streamlined shape, the Hudson has a unitary feel, with the single quirk being the slight bend just before the bit, offering the subtlest of bows. It's a great touch to a especially muscular and stout Bulldog. 

Lestrade

Ironically enough, one of the most out-there shapes in the Peterson Sherlock Holmes flock is named for Detective Inspector Lestrade—the by the books detective often soliciting Holmes for his take on a case. 

Another creation designed after a sketch from Mario Lubinski, the Lestrade features a low visual weight on the bulbous, squatting bowl. The shank briefly pulls up to the band making the foundation for the long, full bend of this saddle stem. It's worth mentioning that the Lestrade is only joined by the Strand in the traditional Sherlock Holmes shapes in featuring a saddle stem as opposed to tapered. 

While sometimes balance is achieved through proportional counterweight, sometimes a shape is a natural exhibitionist and that's just that. The narrow stem serves to underscore the oomph of the bowl while adding its own lithe touch. I'm realizing, it's the most sensational shapes in this range that I find myself favoring the more I look at them—this plump fruit on the vine is up there for me. 

Milverton

"The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton" was one of Doyle's 52 Sherlock Holmes short stories. The shape is quite appropriate to represent the malevolent blackmailer in how he is depicted by famous Sherlock Holmes illustrator, Sidney Paget. 

In Milverton, we have another bold, bent Billiard with a bloated base akin to that of a Brandy. Where this shape most notably departs from the Professor is in its Bulldog diamond shank. The sinewy shank and stem—half bent into the assertive bowl—bring a more rigid muscularity. The bowl's obvious girth is met with depth as well; you can certainly get a long smoke from the Milverton. Unlike the Lestrade, this wide and tall bowl insists upon a shank and stem of proportionate strength, and that's just what we get. 

Mycroft

The Mycroft is named for Sherlock's older brother, Mycroft Holmes. In Mycroft's first appearance in the story "The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter," published in 1983, Sherlock tells us that his brother processes greater investigatory instinct than himself, but doesn't feel compelled to use them.

Like the Deerstalker and Strand, Mycroft keeps continuity with the huskiness of the range, while offering a more lissome, unassertive shape. Designed by German pipe maker Jan Harry Seiffert, the Mycroft curves from heel to bit with a relaxed posture, offering that slight bend leading up to the P-lip. Like many offerings in the Sherlock line, the Mycroft takes a hybrid approach to its shape with a tall Dublin bowl brusquely pivoting to the Zulu-like shank and stem. 

Rathbone

For its name, the Rathbone steps from the page and looks to one of the most important adaptations in the Sherlock universe. Between 1939 and 1946, Basil Rathbone starred as the preeminent sleuth in 13 feature films. To many, Rathbone is the definitive portrayer of Sherlock. Which is saying something—in 2020, Guinness World Records recognized Sherlock Holmes as the most portrayed literary human character in film and television.

According to Peterson, the Rathbone is inspired by two of the pipes frequented by Rathbone in his portrayals of Sherlock. 

With appropriate Sherlock Holmes series proportions, the Rathbone brings a classic bent Billiard that keeps things elegant and simple. While some in the series have designs that thoughtfully lean into the bulky theme, the Rathbone is one of the more svelte styles in the range. From the handsome, vertically straight bowl, the stem gradually inclines for a long soft bend, bringing a bit of nonchalance.

Strand

Last but certainly not least is the Strand, named for the monthly magazine that published Sherlock Holmes stories beginning in 1891. It was in this time that the stories began to garner wider attention. 

Not unlike the Mycroft and Deerhunter, the Strand takes the brassy Sherlock series into a softer realm. While many in the Peterson Sherlock Holmes line seem to bring a stalwart initial impression with an elegance that becomes more apparent the more you sit with the shape, the Strand seems to reverse that. I find it has a lithe, graceful flow to its silhouette, but a distinguished composure becomes more apparent the more study it. 

The round and capacious bowl of the Egg brings a sturdiness to the shape, seeming to meet the traditional with the classical aesthetic of the Danish Egg. The oval shank offers a more petite side profile while the feel in the palm remains commensurate with the robust design that holds the Sherlock line together. The Strand joins the bold Lestrade in donning a saddle stem which offers a languid, subtle bend toward the bit, completing the lissome curve flowing from the softly raised heel. 

Peterson Sherlock Holmes pipe tobacco

Peterson has paid homage to the famed detective beyond their Sherlock Holmes line. The Sherlock Holmes pipe tobacco from Peterson offers a delightful Virginia-based pipe tobacco blend, the recipe for which is said to date back to 1889, two years after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle publish A Study in Scarlet. The grassy, citrus, bready Virginias are nicely complimented by a topping that introduces a fruity berry note with a hint of honey. 

Peterson Pewter Pipe Tamper 

Finally, we have a Peterson Sherlock inspired pipe tamper. For many, a pipe accessory with a little character of its own is all part of the enjoyment of how pipe smoking is a personalized experience. For any fans for the timeless adventures of Sherlock Holmes, this is a nice companion to a smoke. And being a sizable, weighty tamper, this pewter tool is also a great companion to the sizable bowl of a Sherlock Holmes pipe. 

In writing this piece, my appreciation for the Peterson Sherlock Holmes line has grown. I found them interesting before, but having pulled pipe after pipe off the shelf, sat them in front of me, really exploring at length—I get a sense of the nuance and detail that goes into taking a classic shape and giving it an identity of its own. It's something that Peterson has a particular penchant for.