Peterson: Sherlock Holmes Rua Spigot Watson (CP) P-Lip Tobacco Pipe

The Watson from Peterson's Sherlock Holmes collection fittingly enough shares a considerable amount of shaping cues with the Original Sherlock Holmes design. Both display a deeply bent shank and stem combination ending in a defined transition, and the only difference lies in their bowls — the Original poises the quintessential Holmes Calabash bowl, whose curves and flare coincide with Sherlock's eccentric, bohemian personality, while the tall Rhodesian of the "XL17" Watson, presented here, better embodies the doctor's more reserved, gentlemanly nature.

Inspired by the madra rua, "red fox," of traditional Irish tales, Peterson's Rua series presents pipes in a crimson-and-black, contrast-stained sandblast. Finished under the direction of Giacomo Penzo, Peterson's Pipe Specialist and a celebrated artisan pipe maker in his own right, the Rua is the Irish marque's first contrast-stained sandblast, and it's also among the first from any pipe factory — the special finish almost exclusively seen across handmade artisan pipes. The finish debuted in 2021, and for 2022, Peterson released its iconic Sherlock Holmes shapes in the dual-toned application. A contrast finish incorporates two different stain colors, and the labor-intensive, time-consuming process involves staining a pipe one color, sanding down or sandblasting the stummel, and then applying the second stain, with adequate time spent in between to allow each stain to fully settle into the briar. The end result is a rich, two-toned motif that highlights the briar's vertical grain in dramatic contrast, while the sandblast reveals dense growth rings. Moreover, this Sherlock Holmes Rua Spigot pipe is elevated by the Charles Peterson Collection designation: Indicated by a "CP" stamp, Charles Peterson Collection pipes are special, small-run releases that highlight innovation in design and technique to honor Charles Peterson's pioneering spirit and influence on pipe making at large. Exclusive to Smokingpipes, Peterson's Sherlock Holmes Rua pipes capture an unparalleled aesthetic across the marque's portfolio, bespeaking a deep commitment to quality craftsmanship. They're amplified further by crisp, artisan-style sandblasts and sterling silver spigot mounts, combining traditional Peterson shaping and silverwork with modern finishing techniques to enhance the marque's historic pipe-making legacy.