Peterson: Killarney Red (B10) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Like all of Peterson's "B" family shapes, which merge elements of several designs to create attractive and unique hybrids, the Irish marque's "B10" occupies a pretty eccentric spot — not exactly a classic shape, but featuring classical components to its overall design. If you look hard enough, you can find hints of the bent Dublin, Calabash, and Rhodesian shapes alike, yet the overall design still comes off cohesive and well-knit.

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.