Peterson: Killarney Red (B5) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Peterson's "B" series of pipes originated around 1998 and presents rather unique shapes within the Irish marque's portfolio. A number of these designs began as special collections, with overflowing stock given a "B" designation until being exhausted, while others have since become standards of Peterson's shape chart. The "B5" is one such standard, and like most other "B" pieces, it combines elements of other shapes for a unique, hybrid form. It shares much in common with the classic bent Bulldog — a diamond shank and characteristic beadline, below which the bowl tapers toward the heel — however, the bowl's silhouette resembles an Acorn, with the waistline high-set and the rim slightly rounded compared to the Bulldog's usually crisp taper. A subtle bend is lent to the stem, and when combined with the angled transition, it balances out the robust proportions of the stummel, typical of Peterson's signature muscular shaping cues.

Like many of Peterson's lines, the Killarney takes its name from an Irish town — in this case, one located in the southwest. Introduced in 1949, the Killarney features a vivid, ruby stain, over which a lacquer finish is applied for added protection and a higher sheen. The color palette calls to mind traditional English finishes of the early 20th century, hearkening back to an era when darker stains were the norm (lighter finishes wouldn't become popular until the decade before WWII). Fitted with twin rings of nickel, the Killarney boasts a formal, vintage appeal, similar to the black-and-chrome dress pipe motif, but with a more colorful persona.