GBD Midnight 133 Smooth Straight Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

As suggested by the name, GBD’s Midnight series wore a dark brown-sugar stain that blended almost seamlessly into its jet-black stem. It reminds me a little of the early Dress finishes by Dunhill, though this one is a little lighter, giving its bird’s-eye grain patterns more breathing room. The shape is a traditional billiard, which GBD has always done effortlessly well.

This Midnight also happens to be completely unsmoked, with a factory-original bowl coating to help ease in its maiden voyages. It also comes with its original box and sleeve.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.80 / 20.32mm

Bowl Depth: 1.67″ / 42.41mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g