GBD Pre-1980s New Standard 9437 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.

I am by no means an ardent traditionalist, but when it comes to pot shapes, it does seem quite hard to beat those classic renditions of midcentury England and France. From the Charatan 148, to the Sasieni Moorgate, from the Comoy’s 126 to, of course, the GBD 9437. The New Standard version is a particular favorite, not least because of the line’s characteristic beveled rim and warm, reddish-brown finish, as seen here. Based on the nomenclature and inlaid “GBD” stem rondelle, this one will be a pre-1980s make at the very least, i.e., from before the Cadogan Investments merger, though is likely from a good few years earlier than that.

The condition is very good. Some rim darkening and minor handling marks.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.90 / 22.86mm

Bowl Depth: 1.27″ / 32.25mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 40g