Peterson: Irish Made Army (B37) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Peterson's "B" shapes were most often first released as limited-edition designs or as special collection pieces, with some — like the "B10," "B11," and "B42" shapes — eventually being offered more regularly across the Irish marque's standard production. In the case of the "B37," it originated as part of the 2009 Antique Collection series and was based off of a vintage bent Billiard rendition from Peterson's catalog in 1906. A rather compact iteration, this "B37" presents an ever-curling, sinuous form for comfortable clenching, and while it maintains Peterson's conventionally muscular aesthetic, its arching curvature and slightly tapered bowl lend it a softer aesthetic that calls to mind the more Danish-style shaping of the Irish marque's "D" shapes. A highly convenient and versatile pipe, this is a shape that's perfectly poised to accompany you on any venture.

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.