Modelled after the original John Bull shape, which first appeared in our catalogues in 1937, this hearty Rhodesian is a testament to the longevity and preservation of our signature House Style, its chubby proportions, stout shank, and full presence as appealing today as it was all those years ago.

Since 1997, we've offered a special edition Pipe of the Year: a series focused entirely around one singular shape, often inspired or revived from our archives and presented in a number of our most iconic finishes. 2020's Pipe of the Year was modelled after the original 9BC shape, a design dating to the days of Charles Peterson himself, evolving from the original patent shape.

The "9BC" is essentially the predecessor to the modern XL90, featuring a tapered stem, a taller, more Egg-like bowl, a more sinuous curve through the shank, and more obvious cheeking around the transition. Collectors have searched out the original 9BCs, and they are a popular rarity, so we're especially pleased to offer them again, now as our Pipe of the Year.

For 2020, we have returned to our origins and revived a shape that's proven popular for more than a century, one that displays the broad rounded curvature and compact aesthetic of earlier manufacture. The 9BC is not only a respectful and appreciative gesture to our past, but a pipe that we believe will prove popular into the future.

Available here in the dark, craggy sandblasted finish of the PSB grade, a designation we created to denote sandblasted finishes of exceptional consistency and depth.

In addition to our regular production ranges, we also offer a number of limited-edition series unique to each year. These lines celebrate our rich history and tradition of craftsmanship, often looking to the past in order to innovate for tomorrow. From our annual Saint Patrick's Day and Christmas Pipe series to our singular Pipe of the Year models, these pieces are crafted for true Peterson collectors and enthusiasts.