GBD Pedigree 1 256 Smooth Lumberman 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.

One of GBD’s earliest slogans was “Pipes with a Pedigree”, which certainly wasn’t wrong, but the “Pedigree” grades, introduced around the 1930s, were a cut above even GBD’s other pipes. In other words, there were Pipes with a Pedigree, and there were pipes that were the Pedigree. This Pedigree 1 grade GBD is a fittingly excellent rendition of the make’s classic 256 lumberman, with flame grain that swirls like a fire devil around its bowl. Based on the brass “GBD” rondelle inlaid in the pipe’s stem, as well as the “LONDON ENGLAND” COM stamp, it should also be a pre-1980 piece from before the Cadogan Investments merger, making it all the more the find for appreciators of the Anglo-French tradition.

The condition is very good. Some darkening and wear to the rim and minor finish fading.

 

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.57″ / 39.87mm

Weight: 1.0oz / 30g