GBD Colossus Rockroot 9643 Rusticated Diplomat Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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.

For their larger pipes, GBD had three additional size designations. In ascending order, these were the Conquest, the Collector, and the Colossus. This particular GBD is an example of the latter. While by no means a magnum, it is a distinctly squat and wide rendition of the traditional diplomat shape. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen something quite like it outside of Denmark. The pipe wears GBD’s famous “Rockroot” rustication, which works especially well for the pipe’s volcanic figure. Judging by the stamping, this GBD was made before 1980, and thus before the Cadogan Investments merger that year.

The condition is great. Some inner rim darkening.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.98 / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 0.99″ / 25.14mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g