GBD Unique Matt (Jamieson) Smooth Freehand 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.

As the name suggests, GBD’s Unique series was one in which each pipe was unique, owing to the pipes being carved freehand – much like those of Charatan or Danish contemporaries. The pipes were made from the 1960s onward, with one particular English pipe-maker being responsible for making the Unique series until the early-1980s – Horace “Horry” Jamieson. Jamieson had previously worked at Barling, where he had worked on the similarly unique “Freak” series; at GBD he continued this role of making one-of-a-kind pieces. Based on the “LONDON, ENGLAND” stamping on this one, as well as its inlaid brass “GBD” rondelle, this Unique should have been made prior to Cadogan Investments’ merger of GBD with other English makes (such as Comoy’s) in the early-1980s. As such, it should be a Jamieson. As for the pipe itself, it is a freehand, and a beautiful one at that, but one more in the “English” freehand style than the one associated with Danes, such as Preben Holm. It is actually quite a traditional piece, with its basic form being a cutty shape – albeit a very large one with excellent straight grain. What most clearly differentiates this pipe from the classical cutty, on the other hand, is the inclusion of a fascinating, hand-worked elliptical “ridge” that encircles the base of the bowl. Aside from its visual appeal, this subtle addition comes with a the functional effect of making the pipe a sitter.

The condition is great. There is some inner rim darkening, but the pipe has nonetheless been preserved remarkably.

 

Details:

Length: 7.5″ / 190.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.95 / 24.13mm

Bowl Depth: 2.13″ / 54.10mm

Weight: 3.1oz / 88g