GBD Pre-1980s Prehistoric 9436 Sandblasted Billiard 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.

Along with the Dunhill Shell Briar, Barling’s Fossil, and Charatan’s Relief, GBD’s Prehistoric stands out as one of the iconic sandblast finishes of the English midcentury. Like its contemporaries, it was the perfect juxtaposition of a rugged, craggy texture with the more reserved stylings of shapes of the time. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it was frequently applied as a mixed finish, however, with a smooth, often beveled, rim contrasting nicely with the rougher edges of the bowl, as seen here. Based on the nomenclature and GBD stem rondelle, this one looks to be a pre-1980s make, and by extension a pre-Cadogan Investments merger make.

The condition is fair. Some rim charring, minor finish fading, and minor tooth marks.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.86 / 21.84mm

Bowl Depth: 1.62″ / 41.14mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g