GBD Virgin 9436 Smooth Saddle Billiard 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.

GBD’s Virgin pipes each featured excellent grain, a light stain, and no fills, making them, in the words of one Pipedia editor, “for many years the perfect GBD.” This particular Virgin does indeed show off beautiful bird’s-eye grain patterns all around its bowl. Judging by the “LONDON ENGLAND” stamping and brass “GBD” rondelle in the stem, this Virgin was also made prior to Cadogan Investments’ merger of many of the great 20th century makes in (such as GBD and Comoy’s) in the early-1980s, which should prick the ears of collectors.

The condition is fair. Rim darkening and minor tooth marks.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.63″ / 41.40mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g