GBD Pre-1980s Ebony 789 Smooth Pot 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.

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’s rendered in GBD’s shape “789,” a sturdy pot with a wide chamber perfectly suited for mixture and ribbon cuts, especially English blends. As mentioned, the Ebony was introduced before the 1980s, and indeed this one comes from the pre-Cadogan production of GBD pipes, based on the nomenclature and rondelle.

The condition is fair. Rim darkening and some scratches around the bowl.

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.93 / 23.62mm

Bowl Depth: 1.33″ / 33.78mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g