GBD (Pre-1953) Originale 981 Smooth Paneled Prince (Estate)

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, ultimately became one of the standard bearers of 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 the name suggests, the Originale (French for “Original”) was a line of pipes made by GBD in France, intended for the European market. While GBD did become rather “Anglicized” over time, the company maintained factories in the country it had been founded in for much of the 20th century, though the locations of these factories did change a few times. Notably, GBD’s French factory was, originally, in Paris, where Ganeval, Boundier, and Donninger had first set up their pipe making operations. Around the midcentury, however, French production was moved to Saint-Claude, the epicenter of French pipe making. This particular pipe is a Paris factory make, which places it some time before around 1953 (the Paris to Saint-Claude move is purported to have happened in 1952). It is a very classically French design; a squat, slight, paneled prince, or tomato, with a light smooth finish and a black vulcanite mouthpiece.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening, finish fading, and minor handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.00″ / 25.4mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 26g