Charles Rattrays Monarch Terracotta 18 Yellow Briar Pipe

• Overall Length: 150mm
• Overall Height: 46mm
• Bowl Height: 46mm
• Bowl Diameter: 40mm
• Bore: 19mm
• Weight: 59g
• Filter: 9mm
• Cloth pipe bag included

The Charles Rattray’s Monarch Terracotta 18 Yellow is a refined and handsome straight Billiard, a shape whose popularity owes much to its sheer honesty. Unfussy, well-balanced, and elegant without pretension, it’s been a favourite of working men and philosophers alike for over a century. And here, Rattray’s has added just a touch of flair to the familiar form.

The terracotta smooth finish gives the briar a rich, reddish tone, much like the brick chimneys that dot the rooftops of Scarborough. A fine polish brings out the soft figuring of the grain, but doesn’t smother it — a reminder that this is, after all, a pipe made to be smoked, not shelved.

The yellow acrylic stem adds a cheerful contrast — warm as a summer morning but durable too, and easy to spot should you set it down in the garden. The nickel mount lends a touch of structure and polish, making the transition clean and tidy without the rigidity of an army mount.

This pipe takes a 9mm filter, making it a good choice for those who favour a cooler, drier draw — though, as always, it can be enjoyed filterless with the right adapter or a balsa insert.

Rattray’s, originally established in 1903 in Perth, Scotland, has earned a reputation for thoughtfully designed pipes with excellent mechanics. These days, their pieces are crafted in Germany with typical precision, and the Monarch range is no exception.

The Monarch 18 Yellow is perfect for those who enjoy a traditional profile with just a touch of sunshine — the sort of pipe that lifts the spirits without making a fuss about it.