Peterson: Christmas 2023 Sandblasted (X105) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

The "106," "107," and "X105" are all robust variations of the straight Billiard from Peterson. While each one showcases the Irish marque's conventional robustness at the shank and transition, this "X105" trims down that aesthetic just a tad by comparison, presenting a more traditionally English style. That said, it still offers more substance than, say, the "06" or "15" iterations. Such a diverse portfolio of classic shapes allows Peterson to cater to all preferences of length, chamber depth, and weight — with the "X105" finding a perfect balance between extremes.

Peterson's Christmas Pipes have been an annual tradition since 2009, the Irish marque dressing a selection of their iconic shapes in appropriately festive fashion. In recent years, Peterson has accented this series with copper, though for 2023, they showcase the skill of their silversmiths by accenting the pipes with broad bands of intricately etched silver. These silver bands feature inset beadlines around the Peterson logo and provide a wealth of contrast against the stummel's finish. In addition to the fine display of silverwork, these pipes exhibit Peterson's talent in the blasting cabinet by dressing the stummel in a craggy sandblast that's been stained a deep, rich red: evocative of some of the earliest sandblasts to appear in the pipe world. What results is a finish that is utterly timeless, reminiscent of pipes crafted in the early 20th century and embodying an elegant character that's endlessly charming.