GBD International, Smooth Billiard 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.

Sometimes, you can’t beat a good old English billiard. This GBD International is perfectly proportioned, is nicely grained, with plenty of bird’s-eye patterns, and has a simple, light, strawberry-blonde finish that accentuates, rather than hiding, its choice briar. Judging by the nomenclature and brass ‘GBD’ rondelle set into its vulcanite stem, this GBD is also pre-1980, i.e., having been made before the make was absorbed by Cadogan Investments.

The condition is great. There’s some minor, inner rim darkening, and one or two light handling marks, but the pipe is certainly well preserved for its age.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.86 / 21.84mm

Bowl Depth: 1.72″ / 43.68mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g