GBD Midnight 133 Smooth Straight Billiard Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked [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.

‘Midnight’ seems appropriate for a line like this one. The stain is a deep, dark brown, though still bright enough to see the briar underneath. I’d call it brown sugar, but of the muscovado variety, rather than, say, demerara. Sorry – I’ve been cooking all day. Anyway, it’s a very elegant, traditional pipe, one very fitting for dress occasions. At 38 grams, it should be a comfortable enough clencher for most, too, especially with its ebonite stem. The GBD rondelle is brass, for those who wish to give an estimate as to its date.

The pipe is also 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: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 45.97mm

Bowl Depth: 1.61″ / 40.89mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g