Peterson: Donegal Rocky (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.

Named after County Donegal in northwest Ireland, Peterson's Donegal Rocky series offers one of the Irish firm's most distinctive and immediately recognizable finishes. Much like the mountainous region it's inspired by, the rustication style of the Donegal Rocky line is incredibly craggy and provides plenty of stimulating texture, transforming any pipe that wears it into a rugged workhorse smoker. Peterson's first rusticated finish, the Donegal Rocky dates back to 1945, and is presented here with a bright nickel band offering a touch of refinement against the dark, red-tinged stain of the stummel.