GBD London Made 32 Smooth 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.

Though GBD is one of the most classic of classic, Anglo-French makes, their ever-expanding shape across the decades took them into design styles far beyond traditional English and French briars—even without considering the Unique freehands of Horry Jamieson. This deceptively large GBD has a slight Danish edge to it, especially with its flared ebonite stem. I suppose it’s something of a Rhodesian, though a highly distinctive one. The pipe does feature a brass “GBD” rondelle, so I am inclined to think it is a pre-1980 production.

The condition is good. Some minor wear to the rim and slight handling marks.

 

Details:

Length: 6.4″ / 162.5mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″ / 44.45mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 62g