Peterson: Donegal Rocky (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.

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.