GBD New Era 135 Smooth Straight Billiard 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.

A simply beautiful, traditional billiard from GBD. The briar is particularly lovely on this one, as the bowl is swimming in tight, bird’s-eye patterns, brought out by the pipe’s warm, reddish-brown stain. As evinced by the nomenclature and the make’s brass rondelle inset in the vulcanite stem, this pipe was produced prior to GBD’s merger with Cadogan Investments in 1980.

The condition is great. I see a tiny tooth mark on the top of the stem and some very minor darkening on the inner lip of the pipe’s beveled rim, but nothing else of note. It’s remarkably preserved, probably because the previous owner knew the importance of caring for a good pipe.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″

Bowl Width: 22.4mm

Bowl Depth: 1.6″

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g