GBD New Era 720 Smooth Panel 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.

Over the years, I’ve owned and I’ve sold countless GBD pipes, and I thought I’d seen it all. But then this landed on my desk. It might just be the strangest GBD I’ve ever seen, which is remarkable considering the designs of some of Jamieson’s famous Unique series. I suppose this is what someone in the 1950s thought the future of pipe design would be, though given how rare a sight it is, I suppose—as Marty McFly once said—smokers at the time just weren’t “ready for that yet.” And yet, given the fascinating developments in pipe design since, their kids would indeed love it.

The condition is very good. some inner rim darkening and a few small scratches on the bowl exterior. Based on the stamping and rondelle this GBD is a pre-1980, and as such a pre-Cadogan Investments merger, vintage.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.70 / 17.78mm

Bowl Depth: 0.92″ / 23.36mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g