GBD Universe 789 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.

Here we have a nice example of a classic Anglo-French pot, by GBD no less—except, there’s a slight difference with this one. Instead of the typical fishtail taper, this one, as the Universe line once did, features a slightly Danish, flared ebonite stem. I’d assume this one was made after the 1950s, though it being a French-made GBD, and having the brass “GBD” stem inlay, it should also be from before the early 1980s, i.e., before the Cagodan Investments merger brought so many classic Anglo-French makes into the same English factories.

The condition is good. Some rim darkening, slight finish fading, and a few scratches around the bowl.

 

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.34″ / 34.03mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g