Peterson: Killarney Red (XL02) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

The "XL02" is, in essence, a fuller-bodied approach to the beloved "03" bent Apple, with added muscularity to the shank and transition. The visual weight of the shank relative to that of the bowl is a hallmark of Peterson's approach to shaping and distinguishes it from what we consider the classic English design of pipe making. It's a great example of the marque's signature aesthetic — the stout shank and voluptuous bowl blending well with the slender angle of the stem and tight transition.

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.