GBD Militaire 2006, Sandblasted Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

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.

As might be gathered from the name, GBD’s Militaire line was one comprised entirely of military, otherwise known as army, mount pipes, albeit with vulcanite for the mount itself, rather than metal. The result is quite lovely; a crisp, tan sandblast bowl married with a vulcanite mount and stem, all together weighing only 32 grams, making it an ideal clenching pipe. As evinced by the brass ‘GBD’ rondelle, this pipe was made prior to GBD’s absorption by Cadogan Investments in 1980.

The condition is good, though I will point two things out: the rim is a little darkened and has some charring on the inside lip, and there is a scrape of some kind on the pipe’s underside, next to the nomenclature. These are superficial imperfections and will not affect the pipe’s smoking properties, but its price has been adjusted accordingly.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″

Bowl Width: 19.5mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″

Weight: 1.1oz / 32g