GBD Century 9438 Smooth Bullmoose Rhodesian 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 comes from the Century line, one that was introduced in 1950 to mark 100 years of Ganneval, Bondier, and Donninger’s partnership. With its nice grain and light finish, it’s a fitting commemoration of the historic make. Based on the nomenclature, this will be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger GBD, so the dating can be approximated to somewhere between 1950 and 1980.

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

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.24″ / 31.49mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g