GBD Pre-1980s Fantasy Collector 9618 Partially Sandblasted Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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.

Much like GBD’s Tapestry line, the Fantasy was one that mixed smooth and sandblasted sections on the same stummel, creating a very rich and dynamic finish. The main difference was that the Fantasy also used two distinct stains, with a dark brown for the smooth parts and an even darker burgundy for the blasted ones, creating an even stronger contrast effect. This one is rendered in GBD’s oversized Collector shape 9618, an especially bulbous take on the classical Oom Paul, and is fitted with one of GBD’s signature perspex mouthpieces.

As for dating, GBD fans will be pleased to know that this is a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger piece, based on the nomenclature and stem inlay. In other words, it was made before GBD, along with a host of other classic English makes, were consolidated and had production moved under one roof by their holding company, Cadogan Investments Ltd.

The condition is good. Some inner rim charring and some finish fading.

Details:

Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.93″ / 49.02mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g