GBD Pre-1980s New Standard Collector 686 Smooth Bullcap 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.

GBD had a real knack for Rhodesian renditions. The 9438, along with its tapered sibling, the 9242, is practically synonymous with the “bullmoose,” for example. But GBD’s Rhodesians didn’t stop there, and nor did they simply play it safe with more conventional, Anglo-French interpretations of the shape. For instance, the 686, seen here, has an almost “American” feel to it, taking the form of a squat, “bullcap” shape not unlike something out of an LHS, or Custom-Bilt, catalog. As a Collector grade, it’s also one of GBD’s oversized pipes, being on the second rung of that three-step latter. And, as for dating, given the nomenclature and metal GBD stem inlay, this pipe will be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger make.

The condition is very good indeed. Some inner rim darkening, but nonetheless well preserved.

Details:

Length: 5.7″ / 144.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.92 / 23.36mm

Bowl Depth: 0.95″ / 24.13mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g