GBD Prehistoric 9438 Sandblasted Bullmoose 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.

Of all of the many shapes produced by GBD, I’d rank the 9438 as one of the most renowned – if not the most renowned in the make’s historical catalog. It could be called a “chubby Rhodesian,” but the name that has stuck with it, along with other shapes like it from other makes, is the “bullmoose.” It’s a decidedly squat and stout take on the traditional Rhodesian shape, with a weight and angle that isn’t too difficult on the jaw either. This one is dressed in GBD’s Prehistoric sandblast finish, with a stain of alternating burgundy and dark brown hues. Judging by the GBD rondelle and the stamping, this one should be pre-1980, before GBD was absorbed by Cadogan Investments.

The condition is very good. There’s some darkening on the inner lip of the bowl’s rounded rim, and a few handling marks, but it’s nonetheless held up nicely over the last 4+ decades.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.26″ / 32.00mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g