Irish Estates: Peterson Irish Made Army (102) (Fishtail) Tobacco Pipe

Peterson's "102" Billiard is a remarkably petite take on the classic shape, its trim, well-balanced proportions presenting a more traditionally English-styled rendition of the timeless form. Similar to the marque's "6" Billiard in form, albeit on a slightly smaller scale, the "102" is one of the most diminutive straight Billiards offered by the Irish firm and noticeably forgoes their penchant for bold, muscular shaping cues. That being said, there's still a respectable amount of chamber tucked away inside, making it a perfect choice for those who favor briars of a more modest size.

The Irish Made Army line from Peterson is devoted to the military mount. The construction requires a metal cap around the shank end and a stem devoid of tenon, the tapered base of the stem fitting directly into the mortise. The metal mount adds reinforcement to the briar, and the lack of a tenon ensures a snug fit unaffected by varying temperatures or years of wear. The design's lineage and moniker date back to WWI when soldiers would repair cracked shanks with spent shell casings, the extra durability also allowing them to break the pipe down at a moment's notice without fear of damaging the pipe while it was still hot. Practical and aesthetically handsome, the motif has lasted the better part of a century — showcased here in the smoky, smooth stain and flashy nickel mount of Peterson's Irish Made Army series.