GBD Pre-1980s Dynasty 549 Sandblasted Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

From what I can tell, GBD’s Dynasty line was characterized by a distinctly weathered looking, contrast sandblast finish. I would assume that this connected to the name, given its connotations toward the passing of time and the make’s storied heritage. The shaping on this one is eminently traditional as well, taking the form of a bent bulldog with classic, early 20th century proportions. As for when this pipe was made, the nomenclature and GBD stem inlay point to a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger production period.

This pipe is completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating (though the coating has, at this point, largely flaked off), having come to us in a batch of unearthed new old stock pipes.

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.26″ / 32.00mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g