GBD (Pre-1980s) Prehistoric Clubman Sandblasted Cutty Estate Briar Pipe

About this pipe:

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.

The Prehistoric was one of GBD’s flagship sandblasted lines in the 20th century, tapping into the popular motif of a simultaneously reserved and rugged relief finish. To achieve the kind of craggy, tactile blast that the Prehistoric was known for, GBD used select cuts of briar, so that there was no risk that the force applied to each stummel would not run into imperfections or flaws that would affect a bowl’s structural integrity when exposed during that process.

This one takes the form of a very traditional cutty, with a nicely rich texture wedded to its slight and elegant frame. Given that the pipe was made in France, it should be a pre-1980s, “pre-Cadogan” production, as GBD’s production was initially merged with that of a host of other makes in London factories at that time.

The condition is very good. Slight inner rim darkening, some finish fading, and slight tooth marks.

Details:

Length: 6.9″ / 175.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.85″ / 46.99mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g