Peterson: Killarney Red (268) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Though it's not a shape you readily see everyday, Peterson does a fine job of pulling off a lovely Zulu interpretation with their "268" offering. With its subtle bend, forward canted Dublin bowl, and gentle transition, the classic form exudes grace and poise. It's an under-represented shape chart standard that — while traditionally seen from English, French, and Irish marques — seems to have an inherent Danish influence, due, in part, to the lack of hard lines, substituted for a languid bend and easy-curling 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.