Peterson: Churchwarden Sandblasted (D24) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

A limited-production design from Peterson, the "D24" shape is a svelte Billiard variant distinguished by a dramatic, Cutty-like forward cant. It's reminiscent of vintage pipes seen from old French factories, and the shank and transition maintain a trim motif, further reinforcing the retro French aesthetic and eschewing the robust, muscular style Peterson is known. That said, the "D24" does share similarities with other staples within the Irish marque's portfolio, namely the Tankard, Barrel, Calabash, and Belgique designs of the Speciality series.

Peterson first introduced Churchwarden pipes in 1945, the long, willowy profiles inherently forgoing the muscular aesthetic that has come to define the Irish marque's approach to pipe design. Such length is much more suited to extended, relaxing smoking sessions, however, the stem allowing for minimal movement while smoking in an armchair. It's for this reason that Churchwardens are often preferred while reading, the Germans going so far as to translate "Churchwarden" as Lesepfeife, which literally means "reading pipe." Slender and lightweight, Peterson's Churchwardens may not be convenient pocket pipes, but they more than make up for it in the comfortable smoking posture they promote — with this particular one commended by a handsome sandblast and nickel accent.