GBD Colossus 9552 Smooth Calabash 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 oversized pipes were divided into three main groups; first, there was the Conquest series, comprised of pipes that were larger than the average GBD; next, there was the Collector, whose pipes were larger than those of the Conquest; finally, there was the Colossus, reserved for pipes even larger than those of the Conquest and the Collector. However, being an eminently traditional make, GBD’s pipes were eminently traditional in proportion, meaning that even the largest GBD is far from a magnum by today’s standards. This post-Cadogan piece, for example, is certainly not a small pipe, and indeed bears an exceedingly tall bowl with a voluminous chamber, but it’s not something that’ll tire one’s hands or jaw out either—in other words, good for a long, relaxed smoke.

The condition is very good. Minor rim darkening and finish fading.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.98 / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 1.87″ / 47.49mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g