GBD (Pre-1980s) Ebony 269 Smooth Bulldog (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.

The Ebony appears to have been another relatively late addition to GBD’s catalog, though one that still made it in before the Cadogan Investments merger during the early 1980s. Defined by its contrasting hues of golden and dark brown, it was a modest, yet very elegant, design. This one takes the form of a classic Anglo-French bulldog and, based on the nomenclature and rondelle, will have belonged to the Ebony line that was made prior to the aforementioned Cadogan Investments merger in the 1980s.

The condition is fair. Some rim charring, handling marks, slight residual oxidation on the mouthpiece, and stem slightly over-buffed at the base.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.88 / 22.35mm

Bowl Depth: 1.61″ / 40.89mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g