GBD Pre-1980s New Standard 9242 Smooth Bullmoose Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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.

GBD’s “9242” was a distinctive approach to the classical Rhodesian shape, one that, along with a few other shapes in the make’s catalog (most famously the “9348”), came to define what we now term the “bullmoose.” The basic design is quite similar to a Rhodesian or a bulldog, but what sets such shapes apart is their combination of a pronounced heft and a slight stubbiness. This one comes from GBD’s New Standard line, which was originally ruby red, before taking on a lighter, more grain-forward finish subsequent years. Judging by the nomenclature, this will be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger GBD, which is always a bonus for such fine English pipes.

The condition is good. Some darkening and finish fading on the inner rim, minor handling marks, and a very small tooth mark on the button.

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.86 / 21.84mm

Bowl Depth: 1.31″ / 33.27mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g