GBD Virgin 9438 Smooth 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 Virgin finish, which featured excellent grain, a light stain, and no fills, making them, in the words of one Pipedia editor, “for many years the perfect GBD.” As this GBD also features the “LONDON ENGLAND” country of manufacture stamping and brass “GBD” rondelle inset in its stem, this GBD will have been made before the 1980 Cadogan Investments merger.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and minor residual oxidation.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″ / 132.0mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.2″ / 30.48mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g