GBD Speciale Standard 9437 Smooth Pot Estate Briar Pipe, French 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.

This particular GBD is a beautiful example of a simple, classic saddle pot. As the name of the series – “Speciale” – and the country of manufacture stamp indicate, this GBD was made in one of the company’s French factories, located in Paris, and then Saint-Claude. This, along with the metal GBD rondelle inset in the stem would appear to show that it was made prior to make’s merger with Cadogan Investments around 1980, after which production of GBD pipes was moved to England.

The condition is very good. There’s some darkening and minor finish fading on the rim, and some light tooth chatter on the stem.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.22″ / 30.98mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g