GBD Century Restlite 8 Smooth Bent Billiard 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.

GBD’s Century line was introduced in 1950 and, as you might guess, was intended as a commemoration of 100 years of Ganneval, Bondier & Donninger’s storied make. This one is a fittingly traditional bent billiard, including a lightweight stature evocative of early briars. Based on the stamping and metal “GBD” rondelle inlaid in the pipe’s stem, this should be a pipe made prior to the 1980s and the Cadogan Investments merger that followed, making it a nice treat for collectors.

The condition is good. Some slight finish fading and handling marks.

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.72 / 18.28mm

Bowl Depth: 1.31″ / 33.27mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g