Peterson: Churchwarden Ebony Silver Mounted (D15) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Originally produced for Peterson's Danish distributor, Larsen and Peterson, around 1996, the "D" line focuses on traditional Danish shaping, creating shapes that are more slender and elegantly curved compared to the hearty Irish style typically personified in Peterson's portfolio. Presented here is the "D15," an angled take on the bent Dublin — the transition sharply curled to create a prominent, almost pointed heel below the flaring bowl. Per Danish shaping cues, the lines and curves are soft and sleek, the form marked by trim proportions and a forward-urging dynamism.

Peterson first introduced Churchwarden pipes in 1945, the long, willowy profiles inherently forgoing the muscular aesthetic that has come to define the Irish marque's approach to pipe design. Such length is much more suited to extended, relaxing smoking sessions, however, the stem allowing for minimal movement while smoking in an armchair. It's for this reason that Churchwardens are often preferred while reading, the Germans going so far as to translate "Churchwarden" as Lesepfeife, which literally means "reading pipe." Slender and lightweight, Peterson's Churchwardens may not be convenient pocket pipes, but they more than make up for it in the comfortable smoking posture they promote. This particular one wears a formal, ebony stain, accented with the Irish marque's esteemed silverwork for an elegant dress pipe motif, not unlike that of Peterson's Cara series.