GBD Virgin 9491 Square Shank Billiard Estate Briar Pipe

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 the name suggests, GBD’s Virgin line was one of smooth pipes, finished in a light brown, almost virgin stain. Because of this, only stummels with the most exceptional grain patterns were selected. As can be seen from the pictures of this one, granting it a Virgin status was certainly the correct choice, as its bowl is ablaze with cross grain and bird’s-eye grain. The shape is a GBD classic: a traditional, billiard bowl matched with a paneled shank and stem more commonly associated with the foursquare (at least, prior to GBD’s ascendancy). Judging by the brass rondelle inlaid in the stem, as well as the nomenclature on the shank, this pipe was produced prior to the Cadogan Investments merger in 1980, making it not only a beautiful pipe, but a very collectible one too.

The condition is very good. There are some scratches on the stummel, and some minor, inner rim darkening, but the finish is otherwise unblemished, and the pipe’s vulcanite stem is without tooth abrasions.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.68″ / 42.67mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g