GBD (1954) Virgin Collector Smooth Oom Paul with Silver, Perspex, and Briar Shank Extension (Estate)

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, ultimately became one of the standard bearers of 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.

The “Collector” was the second rung on GBD’s series of oversized pipes, though in this instance, I’d say it was appropriate in multiple senses of the term. The design is essentially that of an Oom Paul, or Hungarian, but with a much greater affinity with the pre-briar Tyrolean and Ulmer hunter’s pipes than is typical. Not only is the pipe exceedingly large, but even the bowl’s stacked, egg-like figure is strikingly reminiscent of the Oom Paul’s 17th to 19th century ancestors, and the fact that the pipe is mounted with sterling silver and extended at the shank only seals it further. The hallmarks indicate it as a 1954 make, though if you’d told me it had been made 100 years earlier, I’d have believed you at first.

As for the rest of the design, it’s a higher-end GBD based on the finish alone, which has been kept light and natural as part of the make’s finely grained Virgin line. The pipe can be smoked without the extension in and also features a mouthpiece cut from transparent perspex, which came to be synonymous with GBD as far as pipes were concerned during the midcentury. Lastly, as this is a 1954 pipe, it is “pre-Cadogan,” as they say, made before the 1980s merger of GBD and a host of other classic Anglo-French brands.

The condition is very good. Minor inner rim charring, slight finish fading, and some wear around the silver mounts.

Details:

Length: 9.2″ / 233.6mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 2.06″ / 52.324mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g