GBD 1957 9452 Smooth Billiard w/ Silver Spigot 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.

Few things in class add as much to a design as a good, sterling silver spigot mount. In the case of this pipe, it’s an already very classy GBD billiard. Light in weight and svelte in figure, even without the spigot it would be nicely traditional piece. In this instance, it’s the cherry on top. Based on the silver date letters, stem inlay, and nomenclature, this would look to be a 1957 make, which puts it well before the Cadogan Investments merger of the 1980s, which only adds to its value as a collector’s piece.

The condition is fair. Rim darkening, finish fading, a couple of light tooth marks, and a few small scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.0″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.50″ / 38.1mm

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g