GBD Virgin 864 Smooth Dublin Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

GBD’s Virgin was one of the make’s most renowned smooth finishes, featuring excellent grain, a light stain, and no fills, making them, in the words of one Pipedia editor, “for many years the perfect GBD.” This one is a classic saddle Dublin and, as far as I can see, the grain is indeed flawless. It is also a pre-1980 pipe, based on the “London England” stamping and brass rondelle, so it was made before Cadogan Investments consolidated so many great Anglo-French makes under one roof.

The pipe is also completely unsmoked and comes with its original box and sleeve.

 

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.74 / 18.79mm

Bowl Depth: 1.48″ / 37.59mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 28g