Peterson: Killarney Red (53) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Peterson's approach to shaping can best be described as taking classic English and French shapes and imbuing them with a touch more muscularity. Part of this aesthetic was born out of Peterson's patented System engineering requiring a larger shank, but the style has even made its way to non-System Peterson pipes. The "53" Lovat is a fitting example — a classic shape through-and-through, this piece is rendered in quite a compact form, while remaining substantial throughout the shank and transition and housing a respectable chamber.

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.