Peterson Aran 80S Nickel Band Tobacco Pipe Fishtail

Yeah, it's pretty but up close the details show shoddy craftsmanship - lower than expected. There are sanding marks not well buffed out, the Peterson stamp is double-impressed on the edges and barely visible in the middle, the blueing in the impression on the nickel band is incompletely filled and there is a gap between the stem and stummel. I also had to clean buffing compound out from around the stem tenon. Yeah, it's not their most expensive pipe but I didn't expect to receive second quality when I ordered.

I've been a fan of the bulldog style pip[e for decades but somehow always just missed purchasing one (except for the Medico brand I got in the 1970s). I was very pleased the looks and performance of this pipe.I generally rate Petersons only a 3 or 4. They are nice pipes but nothing special. Generally they seem to collect a lot of moisture making for a hotter smoke and sloppier bowl. The Aran is no different. It too collected a bit of moisture at first, but only for the first 10 or 12 bowls, after that it dried up considerably. After that it was a very smooth smoke. It made me wonder if the time used in curing the briar had been shortened from what it was say, 40 years ago. Still, as time went on I enjoyed the pipe more and more. Today we are good friends and it has become one of my everyday pipes. I think I'm falling in love all over again.

Good quality as always with a Peterson. Quick shipping from tobbacopipes.

Another fine Peterson pipe added to my rack. I like the Aran color, ( I have a 150 also) and I don't care what you spend you cant do better than a Peterson.

I just got my ARAN. It looks good, smokes good, and has the ability to be used on down the family line someday. It’s a solid pipe and I’m completely happy with the purchase.