GBD Conquest Fantasy 9624 Bent Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, became a maker most associated with classic ‘British’ pipes. Founded in 1850 by the French trio Ganneval, Bondier & Donninger, the brand was bought by English company Oppenheimer at the beginning of the 20th century, who opened factories in London and Paris to meet an increasing demand for the make’s high-quality and highly desirable pipes. Partly owing to the make’s inventive, yet traditional shapes, and partly due to the high standards of their production, GBD pipes are particularly coveted by collectors, as well as those who simply appreciate classic, well-made smoking instruments.

‘Conquest’ was one of the three designations GBD used for plus-sided pipes, with Conquest being the first rung of the plus-sized ladder. As such, the pipe is a little larger than the average GBD, but is nowhere near the XL and magnum sizes contemporary pipe smokers are familiar with. ‘Fantasy,’ on the other hand, designated pipes with a mixed smooth and sandblasted finish, as can be seen in the photos. The pipe itself is a nice, traditional bent pot, however it features GBD’s less traditional perspex stem. It’s a distinct look, one many pipe smokers and collectors are very fond of, especially since GBDs like this one stopped being made many decades ago.

The condition is excellent. Due to the brass GBD rondelle inset in the stem, the pipe would appear to have been produced prior to the Cadogan Investments merger in 1980. The rim has some very minor inner lip darkening, but that’s all I can see worth mentioning. It’s a great find.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″

Bowl Width: 22.8mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g