Rattray's: Newcastle Smooth Terracotta (4) (9mm) Tobacco Pipe

Rattray's "4" design is a low-slung bent Brandy, featuring a firm base and muscular proportions throughout. Shape-wise, it's reminiscent of the classic Diplomat, but opts for a round shank rather than one with an oval cross section. The "4" does well to retain the classic form of the Brandy shape, displaying a beautiful taper from the bowl's broad base up toward the gently beveled rim. The plump proportions are pleasing in hand while the saddle stem further accentuates the bowl's heartiness and terminates in a gentle downturn to allow for a comfortable, hands-free smoking posture.

Rattray's Newcastle line honors Newcastle upon Tyne, a cathedral city in England known for its industrial might and storied history. The defining trait of the Newcastle series is a shiny metallic accent, a nod to to its namesake's sophisticated architecture. Each pipe in the series is presented in one of three finishes: a dark sandblast, a terracotta smooth finish, or a grey smooth finish. This particular examples wears the terracotta smooth finish.