Peterson: Irish Made Army Heritage (160) Fishtail Tobacco Pipe

Even though Peterson presents other more diminutive shapes, such as their line of Specialty Tankard, Barrel, Belgique, and Calabash designs, the "160" remains one of the Irish marque's most svelte offerings. Both the "314" and "317" bent Billiards are similar in overall size, yet the "160" features a shank and transition that are significantly trimmer, forgoing Peterson's signature muscular style. It makes for an iteration of the shape chart standard that maintains traditional English and French shaping cues, perfect for collectors drawn to Peterson's history and quality craftsmanship but who desire a classic shape of more slender proportions.

The Irish Made Army line from Peterson is devoted to the military mount. The construction requires a metal cap around the shank end and a stem devoid of tenon, the tapered base of the stem fitting directly into the mortise. The metal mount adds reinforcement to the briar, and the lack of a tenon ensures a snug fit unaffected by varying temperatures or years of wear. The design's lineage and moniker date back to WWI when soldiers would repair cracked shanks with spent shell casings. Practical and aesthetically handsome, the motif has lasted the better part of a century — showcased here in the Heritage finish and flashy nickel mount.